Midfielder Ryan Bastinac admits his time in the VFL this year has been "a reality check", but says he's eager to recapture his best form on the eve of the finals series.
The 24-year-old, who has played 16 games for North this season, was omitted from the squad on three occasions but has managed to rebound strongly through VFL affiliate North Ballarat.
Prior to this year, Bastinac's only previous experience with the Roosters came in 2011.
Bastinac said his two separate stints in the VFL this season had given him the chance to regain his touch.
"Going back there was a reality check and I just needed to play good footy to get back in the side," Bastinac told NMFC.com.au on Wednesday.
"It was a kick up the bum but I didn't dwell on it for too long.
"I think on both occasions I've come back (into the Roos' squad) pretty quickly because I've been playing good footy back there."
Bastinac responded to his demotion in the best possible way, playing a leading role in each of his four appearances for the Roosters.
His most damaging performance came three weeks ago, when he finished with 44 disposals, 10 marks, seven clearances and a goal in the Roosters' win over Collingwood.
Bastinac acknowledged that he had to keep playing a consistent brand of football if he was to consolidate a position in the Roos' starting team in time for the finals.
But he gave an honest appraisal about being omitted from the squad and his overall contribution this year.
"You don't want that [being dropped] happening so I'm trying to stay in the team now and trying to play as well as I can," Bastinac said.
"I haven't had the impact I would've liked during the year … so I'm looking to improve and get my footy back on track because I know I can be as good as the other players in the competition."
The 120-gamer said his physicality and hunger for the contest had been a strong area of focus for both he and the team.
"The big emphasis is tackling pressure and pressure in general, so that's what the whole group's been focusing on and that's what will get you a game," he said.
"My tackling's been a lot better (but) I'm still improving and trying to work on it as everyone is."
Bastinac demonstrated his ability to play his assigned role for the Roos a fortnight ago, when he replaced defender Luke McDonald at three-quarter time to great effect in the win over Fremantle.
"It's always hard coming on as a substitute because you don't really know what kind of impact you're going to have," he said.
"I just wanted to come on and work as hard as I can and use my work-rate.
"I did that for a quarter which was pleasing, but it's a hard role for anyone who plays it."
Bastinac said Friday night’s final round match against Richmond at Etihad Stadium would be the team's last opportunity to impress the coaching staff for a spot in the team.
"You want to lead into a finals campaign playing good footy so the players that get an opportunity this week will be wanting to play as well as they can to put their name up," he said.
"We'll go in with the mindset to really take it up to the Tigers and we'll want to get the job done."
