Daniel Wells has taken another step toward a return to the North Melbourne team, getting through the Rooster’s win over Casey on Saturday afternoon unscathed.

The midfielder played just over half for North Ballarat and collected 11 kicks, six handballs and five marks.

Wells exclusively told kangaroos.com.au last week that he is desperate to return by the end of the season.

"I don't want to sit on the sidelines for one more week than I have to. I've had enough and I want to get out there."

While the number 8 will be delighted with his comeback match, there were a few nervous moments for North Ballarat supporters after their team surrendered a 48 point half-time lead. The Roosters managed to hold on by just 29 points after the Scorpions stormed home.

David Hale was one of the better performers after re-establishing himself in the ruck. 35 hit-outs and 11 marks should give him a much needed confidence boost and put him into contention for senior selection against West Coast on Saturday.

Combining with Hale in the ruck for the second week in a row, Josh Smith once again showed another side to his game. The 23 year-old won 18 hit-outs and grabbed 17 possessions, but struggled to win the footy when he was moved into attack.

It's a similar story for midfielder Ed Lower who continues to move closer to a senior recall. He was named as an emergency for the Kangaroo’s clash against Melbourne and worked tirelessly all day picking up 20 possessions and six clearances.

Cruize Garlett was again prominent in the mid-field, the number 32 continued his good form with 22 possessions and six inside 50's.

North Ballarat 3.9 7.14 9.15 12.17-89
Casey Scorpions 1.0 1.2 4.2 9.6-60

North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: B. Driscoll 4, R. McKenzie 2, J. Spolding 2, M. Greig, M. Sewell, A. Edwards, M. Wundke
Best Players: M. Sewell, D. Feery, B. Driscoll, M. Searl, S. Clifton, E. Lower

Casey Scorpions
Goal Kickers: B. Waite 3, P. Liddle 2, W. Lees, A. Silvagni, J. Wall, T. Zomer
Best Players: P. Faulks, T. Smith, G. Snow, W. Lees, P. Liddle, J. Wall

However, it was a disappointing day at the office for the Werribee Tigers on Sunday, after the side was defeated by 50 points at the hands of Collingwood.

A five goal to nil first term set the tone with Wellingham, Bryan and Corrie all featuring in the best, while former Collingwood captain Anthony Rocca booted two goals.

Just four North Melbourne players featured for Werribee, Alan Obst the best of them with 20 possessions and eight marks in his matchup with Rocca.

Matt Riggio made a solid return to the senior lineup, the former 2nd round draft pick picking up 20 possessions in a hard running performance.

Collingwood 5.5 8.7 9.10 13.14-92
Werribee Tigers 0.3 2.6 3.8 5.12-42

Collingwood
Goal Kickers: J. McCarthy 2, N. Brown 2, A. Rocca 2, L. Rounds, J. Sheahan, C. Bryan, D. Stanley, S. Sidebottom, J. Bennell, J. Blight
Best Players: S. Wellingham, D. Stanley, C. Bryan, J. Barham, A. Corrie, B. Reid

Werribee Tigers
Goal Kickers: N. Thompson 2, T. Bongetti, T. Lunardi, S. Kennedy
Best Players: S. Howard, A. Obst, M. Barlow, D. Gleeson, R. Castello, M. Rockefeller