If North’s coaches wanted a true indication of the depth of the squad, Saturday’s VFL game may provide the answers.

As many as 12 Kangaroos could be in action for Werribee as it takes on reigning premier Box Hill, a side that boasts some significant inclusions. Brad Sewell, Ben Stratton and Ryan Schoenmakers are all making their returns for the Hawks.  

What does that mean for the North players involved? Perhaps the perfect chance to prove themselves deserving of a senior call-up.

Through the midfield, Taylor Hine could be the man assigned to Sewell.

Statistically one of the best taggers at AFL level during his 14 games last season, Hine will have his work cut out against the two-time premiership star.

In attack, the sheer strength and height of Majak Daw will warrant a strong opponent and he may have to deal with either one of Schoenmakers or Stratton.

The North big man has found glimpses of good form in recent weeks, but will be aiming for a consistent four-quarter performance to put his hand up.

Mason Wood is another who will attract attention from the Hawks’ defenders, with the hard-leading forward finding his feet after an injury-interrupted 2013.

The Tigers boast an array of attacking talent, with Sam Wright set to line up after being struck down by illness ahead of the clash against the Bulldogs, while Kieran Harper will slowly step up his game-time after an extended period on the sidelines. Kayne Turner is also dangerous, having regularly been amongst the goals in the pre-season.

Rookie Tim McGenniss had perhaps his best game since joining the club last week, and he’ll be hoping to continue his recent surge with another good performance off half-back, while experienced heads Scott McMahon and Michael Firrito will have a point to prove to the selectors.

The Werribee team will be finalised upon the release of the AFL teams at 5pm on Friday.

On the opposite side, two former Kangaroos will be in action for Box Hill, with Ben Ross (Hawthorn-listed) and Ayden Kennedy both in action.

North Ballarat played in the first week of the split round and will have the week off.

Box Hill Hawks vs. Werribee Tigers
Saturday April 5
Box Hill City Oval at 2:00pm

Box Hill Hawks
B Schoenmakers Stratton Heatherley
HB Brand Kelly Wanganeen
C Hartung Iles Ross
HF Sicily Woodward Webster
F O'Brien Ceglar Grimley
R Lowden Hallahan Sewell
Int Lock Kennedy Collins Murphy O'Donnell Gordon Bond Mirra Lawlor

Werribee Tigers
B McMahon Firrito McDonald
HB Turner Shinners McGenniss
C Speight Greenwood Crichton
HF Warren Wood Hine
F Sherlock Daw Wright
R Reid Moore Adams
Int Wormald Sodomaco Wilson Laracy Harper Norris Jones Porter* Gribble Bolton Buchanan Martyn A. Maric