North Melbourne veteran Shaun Higgins believes defender Ben McKay is set for a breakout year in 2019, after returning to pre-season training in tip top shape.

McKay, who has played just the one AFL game in the past three years, has been forced to bide his time in the VFL, but is showing all the signs of becoming an impressive key defender according to his teammate.

“I think a really big improver for us, and I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, is Ben McKay,” Higgins told Sportsday.

“The way he’s come back, the size he’s at and the way he’s running and moving around, we expect him to play a lot of senior football this year.

“The club’s been patient with him, which is going to pay huge dividends for him going forward.”

A regular at the club over the off-season, McKay has looked the part in the opening weeks of the summer training block, impressing in Monday’s 2km time trial, in which he ran in sixth place behind the likes of Trent Dumont and Luke McDonald.

“(Ben McKay) has been able to put on 10 kilos and adapt to the way we want to play down back and his running capacity has gone to a new level,” Higgins said.

Drafted with pick 21 in the 2015 National Draft, lofty expectations have been placed on the soon-to-be 21-year-old, but with the sustained form of Scott Thompson and Robbie Tarrant, in addition to the emergence of Majak Daw, McKay has been forced to wait patiently in the VFL.

His VFL form in 2018 was outstanding, forming a formidable partnership with fellow key backman Sam Durdin, using his strong hands to take intercept marks.

‘Buckets’, a nickname given to McKay in honour of his impressive marking ability, was also swung forward late in games, where he continued to make an impact.

“There’s a lot pressure that comes onto first round draft picks these days,” Higgins said.

“That’s ok, it’s the media’s job to do that, but we’ve also got to make sure that we’re patient with those type of guys. Kids do develop at different rates.

“We were fortunate that Scott Thompson had the season that he did this year, along with Majak Daw, which just allowed Ben McKay to grow in the VFL.

“He could have easily come in and played senior football last season, and he probably would have done pretty well to be honest, but he probably would have had some key forwards get a hold of him.

“Now when he comes in, he’s going to be able to play quality AFL football.”

With Scott Thompson suspended for Round 1, 2019 after being found guilty of striking St Kilda’s Jack Steele in Round 23 earlier this year, there is a vacancy in North’s back six.

Thompson’s absence from the season opener could prove to be the perfect opportunity for McKay to stake his claim, and show the competition what he’s capable of.

Listen to Shaun Higgins' interview here: