Asked to go back to the VFL to find some form, Todd Goldstein has responded in incredible fashion.

The talented young ruckman amassed a remarkable 64 hit-outs, 22 possessions (13 contested) and two goals for North Ballarat against the Casey Scorpions on Sunday; a feat sure to be etched in the record books.

While it was not enough to stop the Roosters from falling to a dramatic one-point loss, it's likely to have propelled Goldstein straight back into the North Melbourne side for its upcoming match against the Eagles in Perth.

In a last quarter that spanned almost 38 minutes, Goldstein kicked what appeared to be the match winner after a strong contested mark in the goalsquare. Yet shortly after, a Scorpions' goal condemned the Roosters to a devastating defeat.

Conditions were tough all day, with a heavy ground and strong wind favouring one side of the field. Cam Delaney repeatedly foiled the Casey attacks, finishing with 17 disposals and eight marks and with West Coast’s array of tall forwards looming, he could also be in the mix for a recall.

With Goldstein in the ruck, Ben Mabon spent more time down forward than usual and ended with 12 hitouts and a goal. Aaron Black (13 disposals, one goal, seven marks) was pushed higher up the field and was relatively quiet for three quarters with the delivery into the forward line not ideal. However he had a purple patch halfway through the final term and almost helped seal a victory.

It was in the midfield where the Roosters leaned on the Kangaroos' listed players heavily with Matt Campbell picking up 20 disposals, most during an impressive second half. He also had seven clearances and six tackles.

After an early knock, Cruize Garlett recovered well and provided plenty of drive to pick up 22 touches which included 11 handball receives. Cam Richardson ended with a team high 15 handballs amongst his 25 possessions and since his return to the Roosters side, he has improved every week.

The kicking skills of Brad McKenzie were a shining light; his 14 kicks were at a team high 93 percent efficiency. Already close to a debut after spending two matches as a North emergency, McKenzie finished with 20 possessions and five tackles and is doing his chances of a debut no harm.

Gavin Urquhart collected 23 disposals.

In the reserves, Tom Curran took a few nice marks and got through unscathed while Max Warren battled illness and finished with 13 touches.

North Ballarat 5.8.38, 6.13.49, 9.14.68, 14.16.100
Casey Scorpions 2.2.14, 7.7.49, 9.8.62, 15.11.101

GOALS:
North Ballarat: Driscoll 3, Micallef 3, George 2, Goldstein 2, Towers, Sewell, Mabon, Black
Casey Scorpions: Blease 3, Riseley 3, Smith 2, McGough, Lees, Bennell, Petterd, Petropoulos, Fitzpatrick, Couch

BEST:
North Ballarat: Searl, Goldstein, C.Delaney, Sewell, George, Campbell
Casey Scorpions: Panozza, Bennell, Blease, Lees, Petterd, Sheahan