North’s first-round draft selection Taylor Garner is set to make a welcome return from an ankle injury in the VFL on Saturday.

The 18-year old has spent a month on the sidelines after an innocuous accident, but will look to prove himself at North Ballarat after being named in the forward pocket.

“He (Garner) rolled his ankle when he stepped out of his car onto the curb. He had torn ligaments,” North’s director of medical services Steve Saunders told NMFC.com.au.

“We’ll look to modify his game time for fitness reasons – probably about 60 to 65 per cent game time this week.”

With Werribee enjoying a bye this weekend, the Roosters will be the only Kangaroos’ VFL affiliate in action. Almost half of the 22 will be filled with AFL-listed players.

Cam Delaney will continue his road back from injury, with development coach Josh Drummond predicting him to play close to a full game.

After missing a week, Liam Anthony will take his spot in the centre and along with Ben Jacobs provide some much needed midfield spark.

Cam Richardson has been named on a forward flank but is developing into a swingman. Last week he split his time between attack and defence while collecting 25 disposals.

After having to deal with both Shaun Hampson and Levi Casboult against the Northern Blues, Ben Mabon has another tough test ahead of him with Hawthorn-listed ruckman Luke Lowden in his path.

North Ballarat currently sits in 9th position with two wins from six games and coach Gerard Fitzgerald has set the next fortnight as a crucial one in the Roosters’ season. After the game against Box Hill, they will face Werribee, also at Eureka Stadium.

The Tigers’ next game is in the Foxtel Cup on Tuesday at Etihad Stadium.

North Ballarat v Box Hill
Saturday 25th May
Eureka Stadium, 2:00pm

North Ballarat
B: Kiel, Luke Delaney, Cam Delaney
HB: Mitch Wilkins, Tate, Max Warren
C: Austin, Liam Anthony, Horbury
HF: Cam Richardson, Darmody, George
F: Keeble, Cook, Taylor Garner
Fol: Ben Mabon, Clifton, Sewell
Int: Murphy, Schache, Ben Jacobs, Brad McKenzie, Hoy, Black, Rippon, Conroy, Linke, Nicholls