Delaney (eight disposals) had missed a month of action due to niggling injuries.
“He was pretty good defensively,” development coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.
“His timing and his efforts in the contest were good. He only played just over half a game and that will build to almost a full game next week.”
While Delaney was a welcome addition, it was his older sibling who was arguably the best of the North Melbourne-listed players.
Battling away valiantly under siege down back, Luke had 15 disposals and 18 one percenters.
“He had to deal with (Shaun) Hampson, (Levi) Casboult and (Jeremy) Laidler up there at various stages and they didn’t look like marking the ball too much in the forward 50.
“He was very good again and continued his form of the last few weeks. When an opportunity arises (for North Melbourne) he’ll be ready to take it."
Alongside the Delaney’s in the back six was Max Warren (14 disposals).
In a sign of his development, Drummond labelled Warren the most consistent player in the past month.
“He’s tracking really well,” Drummond added.
“Maxy has a good mix between his offensive and defensive side of his game. He’s defending well which is his first role, and he’s also giving us some run and drive.
“He’s a powerful unit so he has the ability to break lines with his run.”
Cam Richardson was another player who battled hard. His 25 disposals led all Roosters as he spent his afternoon split between the forward and defensive halves of the ground.
“Richo was really good all day. He started forward, playing basically as the third tall, because he can take a mark as he’s shown before.
“He got moved back in the second half and gave us a lot. The 13 handball receives showed he was working hard to create some run."
Ben Jacobs had 21 disposals and 6 tackles, despite starting the afternoon in an unfamiliar position.
“He started out the game with a run-with role.
"His man got the better of him so he was moved off him after a quarter and a half.
“It was part of his development (to play a run-with role). He’s played a number of different roles and he’s still got a way to go in learning this specific role."
In the ruck Ben Mabon (11 disposals, 20 hit-outs) had arguably his toughest test of the season.
His opponents included Hampson and Casboult, with the young Roo forced to shoulder the load for the entire match.
“He started the game pretty well and battled away but he was under the pump all day.”
Brad McKenzie had a quiet afternoon, collecting 11 disposals, while Mitch Wilkins was quiet early before finishing with 10 possessions.
Northern Blues 1.1.7, 8.4.52, 10.8.68, 12.11.83
North Ballarat 1.2.8, 2.5.17, 4.8.32, 5.9.39
Goals
Northern Blues: Lambert 3, Dorman 2, Laidler 2, Lincoln, Dale, Wilson, Totevski, Hampson
North Ballarat: Keeble 2, Cook, Warren, L Delaney
Best
Northern Blues: Lambert, Gianfagna, Casboult, Collins, Totevski, Laidler
North Ballarat: Searl, Keeble, Richardson, Tate, Horbury, L Delaney
