A five goal haul for North Ballarat has catapulted Aaron Black into the North Melbourne 25-man squad to play Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon.

The 22-year-old played just three AFL games last year and has a total of four to his name, but is highly rated as a key forward prospect.

Black’s inclusion was somewhat expected after Brad Scott indicated as much on Wednesday.  The fourth year coach told reporters the form of North’s young forwards has put Lachlan Hansen under increasing pressure to hold his spot and the club now has viable options to use in the seniors.

"…quite clearly now with Aaron Black and Majak Daw we do, so that puts all of our players under pressure."

North has also named Will Sierakowski and Brad McKenzie and will confirm its omissions, if any, on Friday.

The Kangaroos play the Hawks for the first time since last season’s 115-point drubbing in Launceston in which Lance Franklin booted 13 goals.  Both teams could be stretched down back with undersized defenders bound to play on much taller opponents.

For North, Scott Thompson, Nathan Grima and Michael Firrito will have to negate the influence of Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, David Hale and at times, Max Bailey.  At the other end, Hawks’ backmen Josh Gibson, Brian Lake and Ben Stratton will have to contend with Drew Petrie, Majak Daw and possibly Lachlan Hansen or Aaron Black.  Todd Goldstein may also rest forward adding to the Roos’ tall goal kicking options.

Backs S.McMahon 42 S.Thompson 16 M.Firrito 11
Half Backs A.Mullett 41 N.Grima 17 J.Macmillan 34
Centreline D.Wells 8 S.Atley 18 S.Wright 19
Half Forwards R.Bastinac 3 B.Cunnington 10 T.Hine 26
Forwards L.Thomas 12 D.Petrie 20 L.Adams 13
Followers T.Goldstein 22 A.Swallow 9 J.Ziebell 7
Interchange From B.McKenzie 2 L.Anthony 4 L.Hansen 6 W.Sierakowski 28 A.Black 35 M.Daw 38 S.Gibson 43

In: W.Sierakowski , A.Black , B.McKenzie