kangaroos.com.au takes a look at the players who are front and centre for a call-up to the senior team, and you can have your say below.
Ben Cunnington
Setting aside a suspension for tripping, Cunnington’s form has been red hot since being dropped from the Roos’ side three weeks ago. After 34 touches and 4 goals, he followed up on Sunday with 24 disposals and 2 goals despite a heavy tag. The number 10 could be the perfect replacement for Ziebell.
Cruize Garlett
The most consistent player outside of the 22 on North’s list, Garlett bounced back from a quiet week to collect 28 possessions, 7 tackles and 7 clearances. Named as an emergency on several occasions, the midfielder will be hoping to see his name printed in an on-field position when the official team sheet is lodged. If Leigh Adam’s doesn’t get up, Garlett could be the man to fill the void.
Cam Pedersen
One of the most versatile players on North’s list, Pedersen is keeping the pressure on those above him. His ability to play forward, back and in the ruck would lend itself well if Petrie is left out through injury. In Werribee on Sunday he had 25 possessions, 8 marks and 21 hit-outs.
Will Sierakowski
A regular emergency of late, Sierakowski 19 possessions for the Tigers have done his chances of a debut this week no harm.
Levi Greenwood
It’s the MCG where Greenwood had a career best day (39 disposals vs Melbourne in 2010) and the gritty midfielder could be a tremendous weapon for North if he’s selected to make a return there against Richmond. Greenwood copped a knock to the head in the VFL on Sunday but still managed to finish with 21 touches, 5 marks and 5 clearances. However his ability to tag the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin or Brett Deledio should also be considered.
Ben Warren
It’s no surprise to see Ben Warren kicking another 4 goals in the VFL as he’s been doing that all year. He also had 18 possessions and 9 marks against Coburg.
Aaron Mullett
A run-with role on Saint Terry Milera went Mullett’s way in the VFL and he was able to do some damage with 20 possessions and 3 spoils. The wide open spaces of the MCG could suit his ability to run and kick with precision.
Brad McKenzie
After shutting down experienced Saint Brett Peake, McKenzie would be full of confidence. He hasn’t played at the MCG in North colours yet and his tagging efforts as well as his 10 possession, 2 goal game won’t hurt his chances.
Aaron Edwards
Edwards hasn’t played since Round 10 but if Drew Petrie misses through injury, he might be recalled to take on the Tigers. Last time the teams met, the medium sized forward dominated after kicking 2 goals, taking 11 marks and gathering 17 possessions.
Ben McKinley
A standout effort for the Werribee Tigers has pushed McKinley’s name back up the list. The experienced medium-sized forward was credited for 5 majors and 4 behinds, but also his leadership in a scrappy affair against Coburg.
Aaron Black
Wayward kicking prevented the athletic youngster from kicking 4 goals (he finished with 1 goal, 3 behinds) for North Ballarat, but Black could be an option to return to the scene of his debut game at the MCG against Richmond depending on Petrie’s health.
Cam Richardson
Building solidly in the second half of the year, Richardson seems to be growing in confidence the longer the season goes on and the fitter he becomes. He collected 24 disposals and 2 goals for North Ballarat and could be edging closer to another game for the Roos.
Cam Delaney
Already exposed to AFL football this year, the younger Delaney brother was instrumental in the Roosters’ win over Sandringham. The long and athletic defender had 18 disposals, 5 tackles and 6 spoils.
Luke Delaney
Out of the North Melbourne side after the loss to West Coast in Hobart, Delaney was again reliable down back for the Roosters racking up 14 touches including 12 one per centers.
Ayden Kennedy
The only thing keeping Kennedy out of the Kangaroos’ side right now, is the form of its current back six. Since becoming a defender, Kennedy has been exceptional and collected 21 possessions in his most recent outing in the VFL.
Majak Daw
Another player waiting on the fitness of Drew Petrie is Majak Daw. Although a rookie, he could be quickly upgraded and selected to play as a back-up ruckman and tall forward next to Robbie Tarrant and Lachlan Hansen. Daw has increased his fitness and output spending 85 per cent of the game on the ground and collected 18 hit-outs, 8 tackles and 9 disposals.
Ben Speight
The pacey Speight would love the chance to play on the MCG and may need to string some more good games together before being called-up. 18 touches and 5 marks was a good start on Sunday.
Malcolm Lynch
Another rookie, Lynch had a much better week for the Werribee Tigers with 17 possessions and 3 tackles.
Brad Mangan
Also needing to be upgraded, Mangan’s aggression in the contest down back, which resulted in 12 disposals, was highlighted by his coaches.
Ben Mabon
A breakout game, which yielded 40 hit-outs to go along with 18 possessions and 3 clearances, shows Mabon is coming of age although not yet ready to play on the likes of Ivan Maric.
Max Warren
Improving by the week, rookie Warren had a good day with for the Roosters using speed and power to notch up 13 disposals, 4 tackles and 3 spoils.
Gavin Urquhart
With damaging kicks and an ability to break the lines, Urquhart’s skills lend themselves well on bigger grounds. He had 15 possessions for the Roosters at 83 per cent efficiency but remains on the rookie list.
