If it is to be the last game of the year for some Kangaroos, most took the opportunity to go out with a bang playing in the VFL, including forward Aaron Black.

The talented youngster's performance in the Roosters' thrilling one-point win over Port Melbourne on Saturday can't be ignored. With great support from Aaron Edwards (14 disposals), Black booted 4 goals and collected 14 possessions, 12 marks and 6 tackles. The 21-year old has played just three games of AFL in 2012, but will be ushering in the new year with great anticipation with the football world at his feet.

While Black may find it hard to break into the North Melbourne side during the finals, he could get one more opportunity to showcase his skills if the Roos' match committee elects to provide some opportunities against the struggling Greater Western Sydney in Round 23.

For Aaron Mullett, it's a slightly different story. He's been on the cusp for several weeks and has played five games in the royal blue and white stripes. Often used as a substitute, Mullett's year is far from over and could be called on at any stage to help provide some run off half-back or on a wing for North Melbourne. For the Roosters, Mullett capped off a solid season with 33 touches.

The same can be said for Cam Delaney who was also named as an emergency for the Kangaroos. The key defender notched up 21 possessions against Port while Brad McKenzie had his best game for the club with 19 disposals and 4 spoils.

Cam Richardson ran hard all day without much reward and had 15 possessions, ruckman Ben Mabon ended his year with 30 hit-outs and 12 disposals, Gavin Urquhart had 18 and the improving Max Warren tallied 12.

North Ballarat 2.6 6.8 11.10 14.12 (96)
Port Melbourne 2.3 5.7 7.11 13.17 (95)

GOALS:
North Ballarat: McMahon 5 Black 4 Greig 2 Sewell Couch Austin
Port Melbourne: Pleming 2 Scipione 2 Bonaddio 2 Mascitti Allan Cain Burstin Valenti Bentick Skipper

BEST:
North Ballarat: Sewell Mullett McMahon Black Couch Greig
Port Melbourne: Johnston Valenti Sandilands Skipper Cain Scipione