A host of AFL-listed players have been named as a strong North outfit prepares for its final pre-season hit-out ahead of the VFL season.
The 25-man squad boasts 18 AFL-listed players alongside seven VFL-listed players, and is set to face the AFL Academy on Saturday morning at the MCG.
The game will be the final opportunity for players to press for selection before the VFL side’s first official game against the Northern Blues next week, and the emerging Roos pushing for an AFL call-up.
The first bounce will be at 11.05am, with fans welcome to attend utilising their AFL match-day access entitlements. The Roos’ clash against Melbourne will follow directly after.
Fresh off his best-on-ground performance last weekend, Majak Daw has again been named in North’s backline.
Daw is coming off a standout showing against Collingwood at the Holden Centre, where he played a crucial role in defence.
North’s 2017 draft class will also play a key role, with the likes of Will Walker, Tristan Xerri, Tom Murphy and Gordon Narrier all in action.
Impressive midfield trio Chris Jansen, Nash Holmes and Nick Rippon are also key inclusions in the centre, partnering with Braydon Preuss, who is primed to build on his strong pre-season form which has allowed North to build a perfect record across three practice matches.
JJ Liston trophy winner Rippon will look to continue his rich vein of form, following his influence on the win over the Magpies.Another strong offering from the AFL aspirant will hold him in good stead for the season proper.
North’s forward stocks have been bolstered by the inclusion of Steve Stroobants. The former Bendigo Golds captain will lineup with leading pre-season goalkicker Nick Larkey, who boasts 13 majors in his last three outings.
Stroobants will add a wealth of experience to a young North list, with an imposing record at VFL level, having booted 193 goals in 61 games.
Saturday’s game will mark the first time that North’s entire VFL Leadership Group will take the field. The six-man brigade consisting of Rippon, Stroobants, Holmes, Jordan Harper and co-captains Michael Close and Jansen have all been listed to play.
Find North’s 25-man squad below:
1 – Majak Daw
15 – Paul Ahern
17 – Mitch Hibberd
19 – Sam Wright
20 – Nick Larkey
21 – Alex Morgan
23 – Ben McKay
24 – Sam Durdin
26 – Daniel Nielson
27 – Will Walker
31 – Braydon Preuss
32 – Mason Wood
36 – Josh Williams
38 – Tristan Xerri
40 – Tom Murphy
41 – Gordon Narrier
42 – Declan Mountford
44 – Cameron Zurhaar
52 – Nick Rippon
53 – Tyrone Leonardis
55 – Mitch Rodd
58 – Jordan Harper
59 – Nash Holmes
60 – Steven Stroobants
61 – Chris Jansen
64 – Louis Cunningham
65 – Michael Close
74 – Nicholas Baker
