The now 20 year-old was inspirational in North Melbourne’s two point victory over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, racking up 21 possessions and kicking a clutch goal in the closing stages of the match.
A week later, this time in a Friday night blockbuster against Collingwood, Ross was again impressive on the big stage. He had a goal and nine telling possessions before injury forced him from the field, effectively ending his chances of playing a part in the team’s finals campaign.
It didn't faze the lively rover though, he made it back into the VFL with Werribee played a key role in helping the Tigers to a Preliminary Final.
Many expected Ross to walk straight back into the North Melbourne team after showing so much in 2008, but it hasn’t been the case. He’s been forced to bide his time in the VFL until now. Three solid performances through the midfield finally allowed Dean Laidley to give Ross the chance he’d been waiting for.
North Melbourne will receive another injection of pace with the inclusion of livewire Matt Campbell up forward.
Campbell is set to provide another attacking option for a team that has struggled to kick goals this season. He returns from a hamstring injury which has kept him sidelined for the last two matches.
Meanwhile, former first round-pick Daniel Wells will bolster the Kangaroos' midfield after missing the last three games with a hip injury. He averaged 17 possessions in the first three rounds but has acknowledged he needs to lift and carry more responsibility.
Big man Todd Goldstein will also return to the side after some strong performances for Werribee in the VFL.
Goldstein has averaged 28 hit-outs a game in three appearances so far this season for the Tigers, and looks set to form a lethal foursome with David Hale, Drew Petrie and Hamish McIntosh.
The 201cm ruckmen played for the Kangaroos in their Round 2 match against the Western Bulldogs and notched six hit-outs before being omitted the following week.
B: Shannon Watt (36) Scott Thompson (16) Josh Gibson (38)
HB: Brady Rawlings (3) Drew Petrie (20) Michael Firrito (11)
C: Adam Simpson (7) Jack Ziebell (19) Leigh Harding (39)
HF: Scott McMahon (42) Aaron Edwards (27) Matt Campbell (33)
F: Ben Warren (35) David Hale (31) Ben Ross (15)
R: Hamish McIntosh (1) Gavin Urquhart (14) Daniel Wells (8)
INT: Daniel Harris (4) Andrew Swallow (9) Lindsay Thomas (12) Todd Goldstein (22)
EMER: Ed Lower (2) Sam Power (5) Corey Jones (21)
In: Wells, Campbell, Ross, Goldstein
Out: Pratt (inj), Greenwood, Power, Lower
