The Roosters faced a Collingwood side featuring Alan Didak, Alex Fasolo, Ben Hudson, Andrew Krakouer, Dale Thomas and Clinton Young, and the late withdrawal of ruckman Ben Mabon due to illness didn't make things any easier.
Without a recognised ruckman, Aaron Black was forced to spend time at the centre bounces.
The 22-year old was brave and collected 23 disposals to go with 10 marks and 13 hit-outs, but his team was outclassed by 52-points.
"He (Black) was really lively even when he wasn't getting hit-up that well up forward with a few kicks missing the target," North Melbourne development coach Drummond said.
"Up on the ball he gave us a really good contest with a lot of energy when he had his turn in the ruck. He was giving away a few inches in the centre bounces and he was jumping clean over them which was impressive to see."
In the early stages of the game Black and Tom Curran (11 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal) showed promising signs as an attacking duo, but both were forced to play out of position at different stages.
"Tom played forward and ruck much like Blacky and had a similar issue with not getting the greatest service from the midfield, but he battled really well across the ground and continued his good form."
With the job on dangerous forward Alan Didak, Brad McKenzie (27 disposals) was brave, with Drummond labeling his performance 'one of his best for the club'.
Taylor Garner collected 16 disposals and showed glimpses of his talent when given some time in the middle.
"He (Garner) gave us a bit of a spark and aggression when he went through the middle in the second half.
"It may be something we look to do a little more going forward to get him into the game a little more.
"In modern footy you need to be able to play both midfield and forward. Guys who can do both are very dangerous so it'll be good for his development to become not only an efficient forward but also add some grunt into the middle."
With the North Ballarat defence found itself under pressure all afternoon, the Delaney brothers battled manfully. Cameron collected 22 disposals, while Luke had 18 to go with 9 marks and 4 one percenters.
After a promising pre-season, Max Warren (13 disposals) was slightly quieter in a shutdown role on Magpie Alex Fasolo. However, his chase down tackle deep in Collingwood's attacking 50 was one of the highlights of the day.
Mitch Wilkins (13 disposals, 4 marks) was another defender who found himself under the pump.
"The more he (Wilkins) can play on these quality AFL players who are coming back from his injury can only be good for his development," Drummond added.
"Collingwood had some dangerous small forwards and they were very lively today.
"He's still learning what it takes to be a good small defender in terms of consistency and concentration; if you give them (the opposition) a second they can really hurt you so it was good for him to be exposed to it."
Cam Richardson worked hard all day and collected 18 disposals.
Collingwood 2.4.16, 7.6.48, 11.9.75, 16.11.107
North Ballarat 1.3.9, 2.9.21, 5.12.42, 6.19.55
Goals
Collingwood: Paine 4, Martin 3, Witts 3, Fasolo 1, Ferguson 1, Mooney 1, Richmond 1, D Thomas 1, J Thomas 1
North Ballarat: Nicholls 2, Curran 1, Driscoll 1, Garner 1, Richardson 1
