Searching for his club’s first win of the VFL season, North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald has called on his young Roosters to dig deep and take more responsibility.  

With the team travelling to Bendigo for Friday night footy, many of North Melbourne’s players will be asked to take up his challenge.

“In the last two games, we’ve had patches where we’ve played really well but in the end, regardless of how well you play, you don’t get the reward,” FitzGerald told NMFC.com.au.  

“A lot of these guys aren’t new anymore, they need to say to themselves, ‘I’m starting to have some experience around here and as a result I can have more impact.’ Suddenly they’ve been here a year or so now so we need them to step up and do a bit more to help the boys who are just starting.

“It’s a natural evolution for the boys who are going into their second year or for some their third year...you would like them to carry more of a load.”

FitzGerald is a big believer in his players and is also extremely proud of the role his club plays in the development of future Kangaroos’ stars.

“One of the things we celebrate most is that we had Andrew Swallow in his formative years as an AFL player and we’re enormously proud of the fact he’s a premiership player at our club and a part of our inaugural premiership.

“We now see him leading the senior team and leading it really well. We’re proud that we play an important part in these players’ development in early stages.”

Ben Jacobs will play his second game for the Roosters after an impressive debut last week, while forwards Aaron Black and Tom Curran will look to improve on their quiet outings.

Taylor Garner will come back into the Ballarat side joining Max Warren, Mitch Wilkins, Cam Richardson and Luke Delaney while Cam Delaney will miss due to general soreness.

Ben Mabon will miss the game due to suspension.

Meanwhile North Melbourne’s other VFL affiliate Werribee will feel the loss of Majak Daw, who is making his long awaited AFL debut.

It means Daniel Currie will go it alone in the ruck against Williamstown on Sunday, following a stand-out performance against Collingwood giant Jarrod Witts last week.

The Tigers could also be without Will Sierakowski and Levi Greenwood with the pair named as North emergencies after stellar games last weekend.

Ayden Kennedy stood out against an experienced Magpie outfit last Saturday with 28 disposals in defence and will be aiming to continue that good form.

Jordan Gysberts, Tim McGenniss and development coach Jarred Moore will also line up while Ben Speight will miss another week with an ankle injury.

Bendigo Gold vs. North Ballarat
Friday 19th April
Queen Elizabeth Oval at 6:30 PM

North Ballarat
B: Tate, Luke Delaney, Max Warren
HB: Kiel, Searl, Cam Richardson
C: Brad McKenzie, Clifton, Austin
HF: Darmody, Keeble, Aaron Black
F: Taylor Garner, Tom Curran, Driscoll
Fol: Conroy, Sewell, George
Int: Liam Anthony, Horbury, Mitch Wilkins, Ben Jacobs, Rippon*, Schace, Linke, Currie, Cook, Peel

Williamstown vs. Werribee Tigers
Sunday 21st April
Burbank Oval at 2:00 PM

Werribee Tigers
B: Wright, Wilson, Luke McDonald
HB: Meredith, Ayden Kennedy, Gibson
C: Will Sierakowski, Levi Greenwood, B. Ross
HF: Lachlan Hansen, Clouston, Maric
F: Jarred Moore, Robbie Tarrant, Castello
Fol: Daniel Currie, Jordie Gysberts, Kieran Harper
Int: B. Brown, Graham, Warren, Laracy, Mather, Tim McGenniss, M. Ross, Sherlock, Wormald, Sodomaco, Mason Wood, Iles*, Sharp