With the likes of Mick Martyn, Glenn Archer, Michael Firrito and Scott Thompson plying their trade in North Melbourne’s defence throughout the 2000’s, it’s fair to say North Melbourne knows how to produce a good defender.

2016 Syd Barker Medalist Robbie Tarrant more than deserves to have his name included with some of the Kangaroos’ all-time greats, and believes one of North’s up and comers could one day add his name to that illustrious list.

Ben McKay’s career is still young, with the 23-year-old yet to play 30 senior games, but according to Tarrant, the improvement ‘Buckets’ has shown is purely down to hard work.

“The best thing about Benny is he doesn’t only work on the areas of his game he’s good at, but he’s super mindful of where he needs to improve,” Tarrant told North Media.

“He’s got a real growth type of mindset and really wants to get better.

“He prepares well, he does the work and puts in the time watching vision so he’s ready to go out and try to execute the plan.”

Currently ranked 9th in the AFL for one percenters, McKay’s game can be characterised by his effort in the contest and willingness to challenge opponents in the air and on the ground.

Tarrant says those types of efforts can really have an impact on teammates and help them lift their own games.

“He just competes hard and when he does that he plays his best footy,” Tarrant said.

“He’s been playing that way for a while now. When he came into the side last year he was getting all those spoils and really influencing the contest.

“He’s just a competitor and I’m sure the boys are absolutely loving the work he’s doing at the minute.”

Adelaide forward, Taylor Walker, currently leads the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year having polled 28 votes out of a possible 30 from the first three games.

Despite his three-goal performance against North, the ability in which McKay held the in-form forward saw him receive zero votes for the first time this season.

Tarrant says more blanketing performances like that can be expected from McKay as he continues to take the opposition’s most dangerous forward.

“He’s been getting the best forward each week and through the first few rounds this season he’s done really well,” he said.

“He did a really good job on Tex [Walker] on the weekend. He’ll be really looking forward to another challenge down in Geelong this week with the forwards they have.”