After recording its first win of the year against Geelong, North Melbourne’s VFL side will be looking to build against Footscray on Saturday night.
The Roos will face a tough test at VU Whitten, with the Dogs’ side sitting 4th after seven rounds.
Squad
B 68. Q Montanaro 24. S Durdin 36. J Crocker
HB 35. D Watson 56. B Whitecross 64. L Cunningham
C 43. A Hall 15. P Ahern 8. N Hrovat
HF 31. C Taylor 23. B McKay 53. T Leonardis
F 61. C Jansen 38. T Xerri 30. B Scott
R 42. T Campbell 37. K Hayden 72. D Robinson
Int 73. L Mirams 75. C Hodges 51. T Hotchin 71. M Northe 54. J McIvor-Clark 59. N Holmes 79. R Morrison 57. A Morgan
23P 60. L McLean
Footscray
B 23. L Vandermeer 2. L Young 37. R Smith
HB 40. L Young 18. F Roberts 50. J Prudden
C 28. C Porter 36. B Lynch 32. W Hayes
HF 19. L Webb 13. J Schache 29. T Dickson
F 24. B Khamis 26. B Gowers 30. F Greene
R 41. J Sweet 46. L Jong 14. R West
Int 56. A Scott 55. R William 53. L Sullivan N Drummond 52. R Gardner 67. J Wallis L Nash 73. A Hodge
23P 76. A Trusler
The key players
North Melbourne
Aaron Hall
After a tough first week in the VFL, Hall bounced back and showed his ability in the win against the Cats.
Hall was instrumental in the Roos’ first win of the season, collecting 33 disposals, 8 tackles and 2 goals.
The number 43 will be hoping to continue his strong form as he pushes for a senior recall.
Paul Ahern
Ahern also put in a strong midfield performance against Geelong.
The silky midfielder has averaged 25.6 disposals since going back to the VFL, including 29 against the Cats.
Ahern has the ability to damage the best teams at any level, and his quality ball-use is sure to be key.
Footscray
Josh Schache
The former No.2 draft pick has been influential in the VFL, and was in strong form in the win over Werribee, collecting 18 disposals and taking 8 marks.
Tory Dickson
Dickson was quiet last time out, but is certainly one to watch out for.
The veteran forward kicked 3 goals and took 8 marks the week prior against Box Hill.
What the coach said
“I spoke to them after the game (against Geelong) and just spoke about how the group never wavered from what we wanted to achieve, and even in the defeats over the past couple of weeks, they’ve turned up on the Monday ready to go again.
“They want to learn and they want to get better.
“For the first time this year we finished with a fit list, which makes an enormous difference, and we just had a group of guys who played their roles today and when guys play their roles, we just play better as a team."
