Has Richardson done enough?
North's match committee could look to the VFL this week in search of the missing link with several youngsters stating their case for selection.
North's match committee could look to the VFL this week in search of the missing link with several youngsters stating their case for selection.
North Ballarat continues its surge up the ladder following its third win in as many weeks, thanks in part to a terrific performance from Cameron Richardson.
Richardson (34 disposals, seven tackles) has copped criticism for his poor efficiency with the ball in recent weeks, but he returned to his best on Saturday after recovering from a virus.
"He was terrific as a running half-back flank. He was able to use his great running abilities to be the Roosters' most consistent performer for the entire game," North Melbourne development coach Jason Lappin told kangaroos.com.au.
If the North Melbourne is searching for some run, Brayden Norris could also be the man to come in.
Norris (26 possessions) is one of the club's best athletes, and used that to his advantage against Box Hill.
"He continued his good form and kicked a goal from the wing. Like Richo, he also used his endurance to be a consistent performer over four quarters," Lappin added.
It didn't take long for reports to filter through to the team in Brisbane about the first-half performance of Aaron Mullett either. The rookie was best-on-ground early, and went on to rack up 25 possessions to stake his claim for a mid-season rookie promotion.
Key-forward Aaron Black was wasteful in front of goal (one goal, three behinds) but considering the tough conditions, did well to pull down five marks.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos' defensive stocks look in good hands with the continued development of Cameron Delaney (14 possessions, five marks) in just his first year. With brother Luke's call-up to the seniors, the younger sibling played at full-back and "was solid and contested well for the whole game".
North Ballarat 3.5 9.7 11.11 14.16 (100)
Box Hill Hawks 3.4 4.4 8.7 12.9 (81)
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: D. Micallef 3, B. Evans 2, S. Hughes 2, A. Black , B. Norris , A. Mullett , R. McKenzie , J. Linke , M. Tyler , B. Driscoll
Best Players: R. McKenzie, M. Sewell, C. Richardson, L. George, D. Micallef, O. Stephenson
Box Hill Hawks
Goal Kickers: D. WANGANEEN 3, J. Hoegel 3, C. Young , S. Gibson , T. Schneider , J. Sketcher , W. Sierakowski , T. Duryea
Best Players: A. Pattison, K. Cheney, C. Young, S. Gibson, R. Milne, W. Sierakowski