North Ballarat overcame a slow start against Box Hill on Saturday thanks in part to some outstanding performances from its North Melbourne affiliated players.

Strong defender Daniel Pratt (34 disposals, 10 marks) was one of the best players on the day and was sighted all over the ground, even in the forward line where he managed to pinch a goal.

The 27 year-old struggled through the pre-season with various injuries hampering his ability to play in the senior North Melbourne side but another sensational game at VFL will no doubt thrust him into contention to play against Collingwood on Saturday night.

Perhaps the only thing keeping the Queenslander from playing his first AFL match of the year is the form of his team mates in the Kangaroos’ back-line.

Michael Firrito and Scott Thompson were both named among the best on ground after North Melbourne’s sensational win over the Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium.

Brad Scott will no doubt be keen to talk to North’s development coach John Lamont first thing on Monday to get a blow by blow account of the Rooster’s game.

Lamont will describe how the visitors trailed by 12-points at quarter-time but exploded out of the huddle and took control of the match. The game was ultimately decided during a sensational sixteen minute period where they slammed on six unanswered goals and buried the hapless Hawks before halftime.

The only concern was another head-clash for forward Corey Jones. The veteran was taken to hospital with concussion last week after a heavy bump and it was almost a case of history repeating when he was again hit high. This time a nasty gash opened up on his head and seven stitches were needed along with serious amount of bandages.

It didn’t stop him from having a damaging impact on the game and he managed to snare two goals and collect a high number of possessions.

“We’re playing very good team footy and you can see from the results what happens when you do what you’re told by the coach,” Jones told the ABC’s Phil Cleary.

Jones also pointed out the solid contribution from fellow forward Josh Smith (21 disposals, 11 marks, 3 goals, 4 behinds) who continues to put pressure on Aaron Edwards, Ben Warren and David Hale who currently occupy spot in the North Melbourne forward line.

“All I can do is concentrate on playing well here and hopefully I’ll get an opportunity,” Smith said after being awarded best on ground honours from the ABC’s commentators.

“I missed a fair chunk of the season with osteitis (pubis) but I’m starting to get some real match fitness back now and played well today so hopefully I can string a few together.”

The dual VFL premiership player acknowledged that he needs to continue working on his goal-kicking.

“I’ve done a fair bit of work on it…I missed a few today but I’ll just continue to do the work during the week and it’ll turn around.”

After a quiet game last week, midfielder Cruize Garlett (29 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles) made his presence felt as did Leigh Harding (18 disposals, 5 marks, 3 tackles, 3 goals) who has been dropped twice this season from the senior Kangaroos’ side.

The Roosters defended well with Luke Delaney (18 disposals, 4 tackles) increasingly reliable down back while Marcus White (18 disposals, 1 goal) and Brayden Norris (12 disposals, 1 goal) showed some more encouraging signs.

Ed Lower (21 disposals) gained some vital match fitness I just his second game after recovering from a broken leg.

The statistics tell the story behind the 54-point win with the Roosters booting 17 goals and nine behinds to Box Hill’s seven goals and three behinds after quarter time.

North Ballarat: 18.11.119
Box Hill: 10.5.65