All eyes were on Ben McKay as he lined up for his first game since being drafted, but it was another new recruit who stole the show on Friday night.

Declan Mountford earned the MCC Presidents Medal as Werribee’s best player against an AFL Academy team at the MCG.

“It was pretty exciting. It was my first time running out onto the MCG,” the youngster told NMFC.com.au.

The Roos’ final selection in the 2015 National Draft, Mountford racked up 21 disposals through the midfield, combining with fellow first-year players Corey Wagner and Ryan Clarke (27 disposals) regularly.

But he’s certainly not getting ahead of himself.

“I got it one week … doesn’t mean I’ll get it the next week. I’ve just got to keep working hard.”

Clarke was everywhere, as he has been for much of North’s pre-season campaign, while Mitch Hibberd patrolled the back half.

There were more promising signs in attack, with McKay working his way into the game with several key possessions in the second half.

It was a sight for sore eyes for North fans, with North’s first round picks from the last two seasons combining in the key-forward posts; McKay was joined by Sam Durdin, the latter booting a couple of vital goals and pulling down several strong marks.

Will Fordham was influential through the middle of the ground, while Majak Daw staked his claim for a senior recall, particularly early, with seven first quarter disposals, and 20 in total.

Daw had stints in the ruck, up forward, and even on the ball.

NAB AFL ACADEMY 3.1 7.2 8.6 10.10 (70)
WERRIBEE VFL 4.3 6.7 12.8 18.12 (120)

GOALS
NAB AFL Academy: Battle 2, Bowes 2, Sproule 2, Brodie, McCluggage, Petrevski-Seton, Waterman
Werribee VFL: Barrack 3, Daw 2, Durdin 2, Wagner 2, Clarke, Mountford, Fordham, McFarlane, Wilson, Gribble, Maishman, Munro, Butt

BEST
NAB AFL Academy: Brodie, Petrevski-Seton, Berry, Bowes, McCluggage, Powell-Pepper
Werribee VFL: Mountford, Clarke, Fordham, McFarlane, Butt, Wilson