North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says versatile tall Majak Daw has earned his spot in the 25-man squad for Sunday’s clash against Collingwood.
The 24-year-old performed solidly in VFL affiliate Werribee’s win over Frankston last Sunday, registering three goals from his 19 disposals.
Scott said Daw has continued to develop his game at VFL level.
“His consistency across the board has impressed; he’s really improved in a number of areas,” Scott told NMFC.com.au on Thursday.
“He gives us great variety in the ruck, another really good key forward option and a difficult match-up, so he deserves the opportunity.”
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Daw’s teammate at Werribee, defender Scott McMahon, has also been named in the extended line-up at the expense of Ben Jacobs.
Scott said McMahon has continued to persevere despite not being able to cement a position in the Roos’ back six so far this season.
“He’s been kept out of the side by some other defenders but he’s never dropped off in terms of his work-rate and attitude, and we think our defence needs a bit of a reshuffle and he’s going to be part of that,” he said.
Scott said Jacobs will be given the chance to regain his touch for North Ballarat this Saturday alongside teammates Taylor Garner, Aaron Mullett and Brad McKenzie.
“A little bit of a reshuffle in the back half is the reason Jacobs misses,” Scott said.
“We’re looking to find that right mix to get our back half to the level that we set for it.”
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Big man forward Ben Brown sustained a jarred knee in the Roos' round seven win over Essendon and was rested for the interstate trip last week.
Scott said Brown will take the field against the Pies.
“We thought he’d be touch and go for the Fremantle game but with the flight to Perth, we didn’t feel that it was worth taking the risk with him,” he said.
“Having said that, he’s trained all week and he’ll definitely take his place in the side.”
Scott said captain Andrew Swallow “trained well” on Thursday but would face a fitness test before being declared fit to play.
“We had a modified session planned for him today where he did a little bit of ball handling and tackling, but he actually joined in more of training than we anticipated,” he said.
“He’s done enough to suggest that we’d name him and test him on Saturday to make sure.”
Tall Mason Wood will have the opportunity to respond to his omission from the squad in Werribee’s clash against Sandringham on Saturday.
“While Mason worked really hard (against Fremantle), we feel there are some areas of his game that he’s got to go away and bring up to an acceptable level,” Scott said.
“He’s got elite work-rate … but as a young player, he’s going to ebb and flow a bit in terms of his consistency.”
