Impressing more and more each week at VFL level, calls are slowly getting louder for Eddie Ford to be rewarded with an AFL debut.

The young forward was at the peak of his powers in North Melbourne’s 15-point VFL win over Essendon in Round 6, as he kicked two crucial second half goals to help seal the result.

“I’ve been really impressed with Eddie in the way he’s starting to understand training standards,” North forwards coach Younie said, during the latest Member Q & A, which will be released on Monday.

“He’s understanding the way his game is packaged together … he’s probably one that’s not far off getting an opportunity.”

With North’s list of outs through injury also trickling down to VFL level, Ford’s quality performances are made all the more impressive due to the fact he’s often been the only AFL-listed player in the forward line.

Younie says the way in which he has adapted his game to play with some unfamiliar faces showcases Ford’s maturity beyond his years.

“It’s always challenging in your second-tier team when you’ve got so many injuries for your guys to continually develop,” he said.

“He’s (Ford) been playing forward with no other AFL-listed guys at times. To understand and learn the ways we want to move as a forward while trying to build synergy with guys you don’t train with can be difficult.”

While nothing is handed to anyone at AFL level, Ford has shown the potential, guile and craft that all clubs crave in their young players.

Younie says Ford may be a player who could benefit from the more rigid and structured approach of AFL football compared to the VFL.

“We’ve spoken about it recently …. would Eddie be even better at the next level given our structured game style?,” he said.

“[With] his enthusiasm, the way he goes about it, if he continually puts that amount of energy into his game he’s going to be a very good player for us.”