It was an experienced lineup that took the field in Round 1 and the players will know exactly what’s required to turn things around. So does the match committee react with multiple changes? Or have faith in the 22 from the season-opener?
NMFC.com.au looks at those who could be pushing for a call-up. Have your say on the potential changes below.
(in number order)
Daniel Currie
After a strong pre-season on the track in which he was marking everything that came his way, Currie didn't have a huge impact in the NAB Cup.
Todd Goldstein is set to play despite suffering a shoulder injury on Friday night, but if he’s not 100 per cent his fellow big man will be raring to go.
An opportunity could open up in attack too; Drew Petrie and Aaron Black shouldered a huge load last week and another set of strong hands up forward could be just what North needs to stretch the Bulldogs’ defence.
Liam Anthony
While Anthony looked out of favour during the pre-season, a 33 disposal effort for North Ballarat is sure to have him back in contention.
The Kangaroos struggled in the middle in Round 1 and having registered 12 clearances on the weekend, Anthony could be called upon as another ball-winner against a talented Bulldogs’ midfield.
Ben Jacobs
Similar to Anthony, Jacobs racked up possessions at will in a VFL practice match last week, amassing 42 across the four quarters.
Credited for his work around the contest, the midfielder will be hoping to win back the spot he worked so hard for late last year.
Michael Firrito
The experienced defender will be hoping to put himself in contention after a solid outing, but might find it difficult given North’s defensive group performed well under extreme pressure from the Bombers.
Brad Scott will be delighted to have such a seasoned defender waiting in the wings.
Trent Dumont
North’s first draft selection will need some continued strong performances at VFL level to prove himself, but with a strong frame and fitness base his opportunity is sure to present if he can find form in the coming weeks.
He finished with an encouraging 25 disposals for the Roosters on Saturday.
Levi Greenwood
Unsurprisingly, Greenwood was one of the standouts in last week’s VFL practice match, compiling over 30 possessions and was praised for his work-rate by Development Manager Ben Dyer.
North has been criticized for not going in with a dedicated tagger against the Bombers and the likely return of Ryan Griffen in a dangerous Bulldogs’ midfield could see Greenwood considered.
Robin Nahas
The crafty small-forward was unable to really stamp himself on a match during the pre-season, but had some encouraging moments.
A proven goal-kicker, Nahas has impressed with his approach on the training track and having been named as an emergency against Essendon is sure to come into calculations this week.
Some added forward pressure would be handy with the likes of Robert Murphy and Shaun Higgins rebounding from defence.
Mason Wood
Given North’s struggles in attack against Essendon, Wood may have hit form at the perfect time.
The emerging forward had some good moments and some nervous moments in the NAB Cup against Carlton, but a 22 disposal, 2 goal outing on the weekend will do his chances of a debut no harm.
Mitch Wilkins
Singled out for his defensive role on team-mate turned opponent Kayne Turner in the VFL practice match, Wilkins has taken big steps forward during the pre-season.
Named in the Roos’ initial squad for their NAB Cup opener, he clearly has support from the coaches. Continued good performances will make him hard to ignore.
Joel Tippett
Promoted from the rookie list last week, Tippett was arguably the standout of North’s off-season additions alongside Nick Dal Santo in the lead-up to Round 1.
Having already proven he can negate seasoned AFL forwards, Tippett’s main challenge is breaking into a solid defensive unit.
Majak Daw
Coming off knee surgery, Daw has understandably taken time to get back into the pace of the game.
The key-forward/ruckman took some strong marks against North Ballarat in a tough battle with Joel Tippett, and is sure to come into consideration should the Kangaroos opt for another tall in attack.
Have your say on the potential changes below.
comments powered by Disqus
