Prior to this season, few people outside Arden St would have foreseen the impact Jed Anderson would make on the North Melbourne team in 2018.

But internally, he was doing the hard work, and those working closely with him knew it was only a matter of time before he stamped himself on the game.

“He’s getting an injury-free run, which is the most important thing,” Brad Scott told the media after the game against Richmond. 

“Jed went away with a single-minded focus to get fitter in the off-season, which included taking himself off to Utah (1-4 year players trip), which he funded himself, and got himself as fit as he’s ever been.”

For the third time this season, Anderson eclipsed his AFL-high for disposals in a game, picking up 28 against the Tigers on Sunday. 

Used primarily as an outside mid or small forward, Anderson had struggled to nail down a place in the Roos’ best 22 in his previous two seasons as a result of mixed form and a tough run with injuries.

But after earning a role as an inside midfielder in 2018, North’s number three has thrived. 

His aggressive nature and attack of the ball has given the team’s engine room an added dimension, and has enabled players like Jack Ziebell and Shaun Atley to play and impact more in the forward line. 

His ability to win the ball in contests has also lightened the load on Ben Cunnington, who has himself thrived this season.

And the stats are backing up Anderson’s growing influence and importance.

In his 25 career games pre-2018, Anderson failed to reach 20 disposals in a single game.

Involved in each of North’s eight games so far, the 24-year-old has reached 20 disposals on four occasions. .

“The opportunity to play in our midfield has shown everybody what he can do,” Scott added. 

“He’s a pretty unique player, and he’s becoming really important for us.”