If Nathan Hrovat's numbers in the VFL are anything to go by, it seems like an AFL return isn't too far away.
But for the clever small forward, his mission to get back in the senior team rests on far more than just finding the footy.
21 disposals and 9 tackles in the Roos' win over Port Melbourne looks impressive on paper, but Hrovat is focusing on facets of his game that don't necessarily register on the stat sheet.
“I don’t really look at the numbers too much to be honest,” Hrovat told North Media.
“Once we go through your review with the coaches, it’s about other aspects of your game. It’s a bonus to have those numbers, but it’s about other aspects of your game that are probably more important."
In the current AFL climate, the buzz word is "pressure".
“I went away from it a bit at the start of the year in the AFL side and it’s something that I’ve focused on in the last couple of weeks, especially in the last month in the VFL.
“It’s been all about applying manic pressure and playing my role as a mid-forward.
“I’m also analysing games and looking at opportunities where I can impact with the pressure as well as other aspects of the game.
“I guess it’s just playing to my Shinboner traits and allowing the preparation and review process to play to those traits on the weekend.”
While Hrovat has been on the cusp of selection in the AFL side in recent weeks, he's enjoyed his time alongside the Roos' emerging youngsters at VFL level.
One of the more experienced players in the team, he understands better than the most the importance of getting valuable game time into North's newest additions.
“We do have a really young list,” Hrovat said.
“Even though it’s no excuse, the boys are still adjusting to play some senior footy and playing together because it’s quite a new list."
North's emerging group showed just what they are capable of on Saturday, with a terrific win over reigning premiers Port Melbourne.
“It was a fantastic game. Coming off a few heavy losses, to be able to knock off Port Melbourne at their home ground is phenomenal for the boys," Hrovat added.
“Hopefully, this gives us a bit of form going into the next part of the season.
“The more games we play together and the integration within the club in general (alongside the VFL-listed players), I think the better we’ll be.”
Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Box Hill at Avalon Airport Oval, with the first bounce at 2.10pm. Entry to home games is free for NMFC members.
