With North Melbourne's first-up fixture against Greater Western Sydney fewer than 50 days away, the Roos battled things out in another match simulation at La Trobe Sports Park on Wednesday morning.

In similar fashion to how the teams were split in Friday's session, the 'Blue' line-up was the stronger outfit with the 'Yellow' side featuring a handful of VFL players.

The sim featured two halves - with a quick break midway through each - including two three-minute scenarios which saw the 'Blue' team attempt to retain a nine-point lead towards the end of the first half, before trying to chase down the Yellow from nine points down at the end of the second half.

The blustery breeze blowing across the field added a degree of difficulty to certain shots at goal throughout the match, but it didn't prevent vice-captain Nick Larkey from kicking a bag of six. 

The 2023 All-Australian could have had more, but chose to pass off a few opportunities inside 50.

Working closely with the key forward was Paul Curtis who was showcasing his strength while forcing turnovers with his pressure and tackling. Using his power to perfection, he won a one-on-one contest close to goal before setting up his co-captain Jy Simpkin for the day's opening major.

Harry Sheezel was clean by hand early and provided plenty of run and carry with Bailey Scott and Colby McKercher off half-back. Prized pick McKercher earned plaudits from the bench in the second half after evading traffic and finding a teammate lace-out with his non-preferred foot.

In behind that trio was Kallan Dawson who stood tall for 'Blue', as did Charlie Comben who grew in confidence with each intercept grab he clunked for 'Yellow'.

After dominating in the VFL for most of last year, Charlie Lazzaro has continued to forge his name into the selection discussion for Round 1. The 21-year-old consistently found space out the front of stoppages and used his burst to create separation and scores.

Former Swan Dylan Stephens owned his wing, kicked a nice banana goal and later expertly used his change of pace to turn a defender and find Zane Duursma at half-forward. Curtis Taylor put in a solid shift for 'Yellow' on the wing as well, working up and down the field while tallying the disposals.

Luke Davies-Uniacke and Tom Powell both shone in midfield. The former's best play came in the early stages of the second half when he picked off an opponent's kick and sent it through the big sticks from well out.

Powell was one of the premier ball-winners, often surging forward from contests in possession of the footy with Lazzaro in support. He got some reward late in the game when he nailed a snap in front of goal.

Cam Zurhaar brilliantly sharked a boundary throw-in tap from Hugh Greenwood and snapped truly for one of his three goals, while draftee Riley Hardeman was composed and efficient when looking for routes out of defence.

With Callum Coleman-Jones and Hamish Free out with illness, Greenwood and rookie draftee Finnbar Maley engaged in the game's main ruck battle and both competed hard from start to finish. Greenwood excelled at ground level and constantly followed up on his ruck work which created a strong dynamic between the utility and his three onballers.

SQUADS

Blue: K.Dawson, Nyuon, Goater, Scott, McKercher, Stephens, Wardlaw, Davies-Uniacke, Simpkin, Tucker, Duursma, Lazzaro, Stephenson, Zurhaar, Curtis, Larkey, Sheezel, Greenwood, Pink, Powell

Yellow: W.Dawson, Maley, Hansen jnr, Bergman, Shiels, Drury, Harvey, Phillips, Hardeman, Comben, Taylor, Sellers (VFL), De La Rue (VFL), Downie (VFL), Lord (VFL), Cappellari (VFL), Lienert (VFL), Smith (VFL), Hope (VFL), Davis (VFL)

Unavailable: Corr (ankle), George (conditioning), McDonald (hamstring), Archer (groin soreness), Ford (ankle), Logue (knee), Goad (conditioning), Fisher (hamstring), Xerri (cheekbone), Coleman-Jones (illness), Free (illness), Thomas (remains away from the group)