From now until the end of the season, the Kangaroos can elevate a rookie whether there’s a player on the long-term injury list or not.
The likes of Nathan Grima, Leigh Adams, Scott McMahon and Michael Firrito are just a few of those who’ve taken the step up from the rookie-list previously and now there’s a chance for another to stand up and be counted.
kangaroos.com.au looks at those who might be considered.
Have your say on the player you’d like to see promoted in the poll below.
Majak Daw
The versatile big-man has continued his steady progress and has become more comfortable as a ruckman in the VFL.
While he is still learning the game, Daw can show brilliance with the ball in his hands and has fantastic athleticism for his size.
Having signed a new contract at the end of last season, he will be automatically promoted to the senior list as a fourth-year player in 2013, but would no doubt be eyeing an earlier call-up.
Hamish McIntosh’s absence through injury could also play in his favour.
Sam Gibson
The early favourite for a promotion in the pre-season, Gibson was overlooked with Aaron Mullett getting the nod.
He has had some quieter games with heavy tags at VFL level, but a 40-possession, three-goal outing against Geelong earlier in the year showed what he’s capable of.
North’s midfield brigade has found the going a little tough in recent weeks and an injection of run could be what Brad Scott and the match committee are searching for.
Malcolm Lynch
A hip complaint meant Lynch’s pre-season was hindered, but he was back in time for round one of the VFL season and has nine games under his belt.
The 24 year-old has been terrific at times, but not had the consistency he’d have liked.
Already with some AFL experience back in 2007, Lynch’s ability to break the lines and set up for his team is a positive.
Brad Mangan
North Melbourne is one of the highest scored-against teams in the AFL and while it could be argued it’s the work further up the ground proving costly, the match-committee may need more options in defence.
While he’s capable of playing a role in attack, it’s down back where he’s excelled most in the past two seasons. A fortnight ago against the Magpies he amassed 24 disposals and has been named among Werribee’s best a number of times this year.
Like Lynch and Gibson, Mangan is a mature-age rookie and would likely have no trouble handling the bigger bodies at the highest level with his strong frame.
Gavin Urquhart
Urquhart is the rookie who’d be most familiar to North Melbourne fans. He played 41 games and was a Rising Star nominee in 2008 before being delisted last season.
With a second chance, he’s been a solid performer without any real stand-out games, though his x-factor and ability to create off half-back or on a wing makes him an attractive prospect.
Max Warren
Very much in the development stages, Warren has played the least senior VFL football of all the rookies, which is little surprise given he’s the youngest by two years.
The midfielder has averaged around nine possessions a game for North Ballarat.
