Harry Sheezel has wowed coaches and onlookers with a team-high three goals in his first competitive hitout for North Melbourne as the Roos went down to Richmond by two points.
The Kangaroos' top selection in November's draft booted the first for the game, having pinned Tiger recruit Tim Taranto and won a free kick for holding the ball.
Sheezel followed up with a slick handball that led to a goal for Charlie Comben, and snapped his second from the right pocket moments later.
Later, the ex-Sandringham Dragon would kick-start the Roos' fourth period charge with an opportunistic crumb and chip on the outside of his right boot.
"We've all known he's a talented young kid, and an opportunist," assistant coach John Blakey told reporters after the first four periods.
"We were pleased with him today. He bobbed up and kicked goals.
"We’re looking forward to what he can do in the future."
Blakey refused to confirm that Sheezel had pencilled himself in for the opening round, but reinforced the 18-year-old's versatility and scoring nous.
"We've still got another week to go, but he's been very good," he laughed.
"We’ve actually experimented with him down back as well … but you can see what he does when he goes forward.
"He can really create opportunities, and he knows how to score himself."
Boom recruit Griffin Logue was also prominent in his first match against non-club opposition since he crossed over from Fremantle.
Blakey says the key defender, who overcame both osteitis pubis and a broken finger over the summer, has already established himself as a physical and tactical presence.
"We're really pleased with Griff," he enthused.
"He's a leader as well, and his voice behind the ball is very, very strong. He sets us up well.
"He's had a limited pre-season, he's only just back into gameplay … (he featured in) three quarters today, and hopefully a full game next week.
"He's going to be pretty important for us."
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