There are fewer things that excite Kangaroos fans more than the emergence of a young key forward. If his recent performances at VFL level are anything to go by, Charlie Comben looks to be the next cab off the rank.

After two injury-hit seasons on North Melbourne's list, Comben is finally finding the consistency he's craved since being drafted to the club. After making his senior debut against Sydney in Round 22 last year he's now banging the door down for another opportunity at the top level.

Key position players often take more time to develop than any other positions, you only need to look at the early careers of the likes of Todd Goldstein, Nick Larkey and Ben McKay to see that, but Comben's ability to take over reserve level games has never really been in doubt.

He's has been kicking goals for fun to start this season, all types of goals too. Snaps and bananas, long bombs and gimmes from the goalsquare. He kicked two classy majors, one from each pocket, against Williamstown in Round 1, two more in the loss to Brisbane in Round 2, and then four including the match-winner against Footscray in Round 4.

Despite leading by 28 points at half-time, North required a goal in the final minute from Comben to secure the six-point win. Sharking a dropped mark from Bulldog Luke Cleary, he snapped truly to wrap up the four points for his side.

He was amongst a number of players to stand tall in the final term for the Kangaroos, and he says his team's response to the Bulldogs' fast finish is a testament to the fighting spirit the club possesses.

"We lost a few players towards the end, and when that happens it's up to you as an individual to dig deep and find that little bit extra. You know you're going to have to work a bit harder and run a bit harder when you're down players. It can be easy as a team for you to go back into your shell and just try and save the game," Comben told North Media.

"What we did really well in that final quarter was keep attacking and just keep trying to score. It's an absolute credit to our whole group that we all managed to stand up at the end when the game was on the line."

Athletically Comben looks to have the tools needed to become a strong key forward at senior level. His strength in one-on-one contests, proclivity for crashing packs, ability to get from contest to contest, agility at ground level and skill in the ruck make him a strong candidate to run through the forward line in the senior side.

Comben, however, is being forced to bide his time. The strong form of the aforementioned Larkey and David Noble's penchant for playing two rucks have meant opportunities have been difficult to come by for North's number 30, but he knows if he keeps performing his time will come.

"I've been frustrated at times, but I've been working to be able to positively channel that frustration into driving my own improvement and focusing on what I can do to get better. I can't control how anybody plays except for myself, so it's up to me to keep performing," Comben said.

"If I keep doing that then hopefully the call-up to the seniors will take care of itself. When it comes, it comes. After not being able to play much over the last few years I'm just happy to be out there playing footy. It's been really, really good to be able to just get out there and show everyone what I can do."

Forwards are, generally, judged on their ability to hit the scoreboard consistently and effectively, but there's far more evolution in Comben's game than his ability to take contested marks and finish off his work with his efficient and aesthetic set shot.

It isn't just his craft inside 50 that Comben is looking to improve. He's targeting all-round development in aspects of his game all around the ground to give himself as many avenues into the senior side as he can, and from his showings at VFL level so far this season it's clear that work is paying off.

"I had my first full pre-season at the club this year and especially now I've had four or five games under my belt in the VFL I'm definitely improving week to week, and I'm only going to improve with the more footy I play," he said.

"I've been working really hard with (development coach) Tom Lynch to improve, especially around having smarter running strategies rather than clocking up a lot of distance and not actually impacting the contest as much. I've really been working at getting to as many contests as I can be involved in and getting my hands on the ball as much as possible.

"I've also been trying to lead a fair bit in the forward line. I think it's really good for my personal development and I feel that if I'm helping the boys out on the ground it gives me another avenue to stay in the game myself, and I feel like if you are a key forward being a leader as well gives you more presence on the ground.

"The main messaging for me has been consistency and just continuing to have a presence up forward. The goals come off the back of me working up the ground, working on defence, getting to contests. If I'm doing those things it gives me the best chance possible to finish off the team's work. I'm approaching my game with a very process driven mindset and hopefully it keeps coming together to take care of itself."