Forward Michael Wundke signalled his intentions to play in the North Melbourne team with a five goal haul in North Ballarat's win over Coburg on Sunday.

The third placed Tigers looked a tough challenge for the reigning premiers, but a five goal to one opening term set the Roosters on their way.

North Ballarat continued the trend in the second term with four unanswered goals and went into the long break with a 53 point lead. Coburg showed some minor resistance in the second half, but the Roosters eventually won by 50 points in a clinical performance.

After being promoted from the rookie list in 2008, Wundke struggled for form in the opening rounds but has fought back strongly and has been named in the best for the past two weeks. He’s kicked 16 goals in the last six games.

Wundke pulled down 11 marks for the day, while teammate Josh Smith booted two for the day along with 14 disposals.

Liam Anthony and Cruize Garlett both had strong games through the midfield. Anthony picked up 15 possessions and laid seven tackles in his senior return, while Garlett had 23 possessions and dominated with six clearances. Fellow rookie Marcus White racked up16 disposals and 6 inside 50’s.

Kangaroo veteran Shannon Watt worked tirelessly recording10 one per centers and 13 possessions in his best performance in recent weeks.

The Roosters face the 12th placed Frankston this week and will hope to hold onto top spot going into the mid season break.

North Ballarat 5.2 9.7 11.12 14.12 (96)
Coburg Tigers 1.1 1.2 4.2 7.4 (46)

North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: M. Wundke 5, J. Smith 2, B. Driscoll 2, P. McMahon, M. Sewell, C. Jones, D. Feery, C. Richardson
Best Players: M. Sewell, T. Roach, S. Moloney, M. Wundke, D. Feery, C. Garlett

Coburg Tigers
Goal Kickers: N. Carnell 3, T. Clarke 2, A. Duhau 2
Best Players: J. King, N. Liddle, N. Carnell, T. Clarke, A. Horne, J. Oakley-Nicholls

North Melbourne listed players:
Liam Anthony - 15 disposals, 2 marks, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50's
Cruize Garlett - 23 disposals, 4 marks, 6 clearances, 5 tackles
Corey Jones - 14 disposals, 2 marks, 3 clearances, 1 goal
Josh Smith - 9 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals
Shannon Watt - 13 disposals, 6 marks, 10 one percenters
Marcus White - 16 disposals, 2 marks, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50's
Michael Wundke - 15 disposals, 11 marks, 5 goals, 3 tackles

Warren Benjamin (reserves) - 15 disposals, 5 marks, 2 tackles