“Many of them had good patches and played well at times during the game, but no one was able to sustain a really good four-quarter effort against Sandringham unfortunately,” Lappin told kangaroos.com.au.
With Robbie Tarrant likely to miss the upcoming match against GWS in Hobart, at least one spot could be up for grabs in the senior side. One man unlucky to miss out on a call-up for round one was emergency Luke Delaney and he had a decent game for the Roosters in defence with 12 possessions, eight marks and seven spoils. Working in tandem with his older brother, Cam Delaney was just as solid and had 14 touches, seven marks and six spoils.
Cruize Garlett is continuing to build his fitness back up after a pre-season back injury and was able to get his hands on the ball 23 times. He also managed six clearances, six tackles and a goal. Also getting his rhythm back after a long lay-off with post season injury was Cam Richardson. Playing in his home town he collected 23 possessions and finished with a goal from three attempts.
Talented key position prospect Aaron Black had two goals, 10 touches and laid five tackles while Gavin Urquhart impressed at times with 25 disposals and four inside 50's.
With North Melbourne set to play against a much younger side in the Giants in round two, Brad McKenzie might find himself in the frame for a debut. The 2011 draftee had the ball 13 times and made three tackles.
Rucking for about half of the match, Ben Mabon was encouraging with 22 hit-outs and eight possessions while Roo rookie Max Warren had 12 disposals and six spoils.
North Ballarat 2.1 2.6 5.10 7.11 (53)
Sandringham 7.5 11.7 13.10 16.12 (108)
GOALS:
North Ballarat: Black 2 Micallef Sewell Garlett Couch Richardson
Sandringham: Dunell 5 Archer 4 Shenton 2 Saad 2 Coleman Minchington Irving
BEST:
North Ballarat: Hoy Searl George Sewell Urquhart Couch
Sandringham: Dunell Cook Simpkin Archer Ccckie Irving
