Photo: Madeleine Green

With North Melbourne’s VFL side picking up its first win of the season on the weekend, a number of key players have put their hands up for senior selection.

Coming off of a quality win over Hawthorn at AFL level, North’s senior side came out of the blocks slowly on Sunday and paid the price, falling to an efficient Essendon side.

With the Round 11 fixture against St Kilda looming, David Noble may look to call on some players in hot form.

North Media looks at who is in the mix.

Tristan Xerri has continued his immense run of form at VFL-level, registering 36 disposals, 9 marks and 27 hitouts against Essendon. He also finished with 30 contested possessions, a VFL-high since 2011.

After banging the door down for a number of weeks, Xerri is making himself almost impossible to overlook.

However, with Todd Goldstein and Tom Campbell continuing to thrive in their roles at AFL level, competition for the talls is high.

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VFL: Xerri in action (Round 6, 2021)

Tristan Xerri was dominant in the ruck and around the ground throughout Saturday's win against Essendon.

In his first full game running through the midfield this season, Will Phillips put in a mature and classy performance at VFL level, finishing with 33 disposals and 8 tackles as he ran riot through the middle of the ground.

Phillips impressed with his composure and efficient ball-use throughout the match, showing maturity beyond his years to help guide his side to a win.

Eddie Ford put together possibly his best performance so far in the royal blue and white stripes against the Bombers, kicking 2 goals and registering 18 disposals.

The young forward thrived as he was provided with top notch service from Phillips and company in the midfield, proving his class and composure with a late snap to level the scores in the fourth quarter.

The unused medical substitute against Essendon, Bailey Scott impressed with 28 disposals and a goal in North’s VFL loss to Box Hill and will still be in the conversation for selection.

Atu Bosenavulagi played his role well but had a quieter week at VFL level, registering 13 disposals. North fans know how damaging his pace and power can be in the backline, but he may need another week to prove himself.

Patrick Walker made his return from injury against Essendon. He impressed with his kicking and gut running, but it may be too early for the rookie to put his hand up for senior selection.