“The players that are not performing will go out,” was the strong message from North Melbourne coach Brad Scott following Sunday’s loss, and that statement could pave the way for those pushing up at VFL level.

North’s Sam Gibson, Levi Greenwood and Cam Pedersen all played prominent roles in Werribee’s 33-point victory over Frankston on Sunday and are among those next in line for selection.

In tough conditions for football, Gibson collected 30 possessions in a variety of midfield roles, while Greenwood had 29 disposals and was particularly impressive in the first half.

The duo combined with Pedersen (21 disposals, 15 hitouts), coming off his first game at AFL level, with the number 39 spending extended periods in the ruck and also drifting forward to boot two goals.

Pedersen’s best-on-ground performance is sure to raise eyebrows at the selection table on Thursday, especially with Hamish McIntosh in some doubt after aggravating an old PCL injury. The match committee could look to Pedersen to assist Todd Goldstein if McIntosh is unavailable.

Meanwhile, Ayden Kennedy continued his impressive form with 17 disposals down back, with Brad Mangan also solid in defence (11 possessions).

Nathan Grima had 'a good presence in the air' according to North Development Coach John Lamont and finished with 20 touches as the anchor in the Tigers’ back six.

Through the middle, Ben Speight and Malcolm Lynch both provided run and carry with 20 and 15 disposals respectively. After a few quiet weeks, Speight put his name back in lights, though he would have hoped to make more of his opportunities in front of the big sticks, as he finished with four behinds.

Despite the day not being one for the talls, Lamont said he was pleased with the effort and persistence of North’s key-forwards; Lachlan Hansen (two goals, six marks), Robbie Tarrant (one goal, four marks), Ben McKinley (two goals, 17 disposals) and Ben Warren (one goal, six marks) all provided imposing targets in the forward half in trying conditions.

Given the struggles of the Kangaroos’ attack on Sunday, all four could come into consideration when it comes time for Scott to his name 22 to take on the Power.

Frankston 3.2 4.3 6.5 9.7 (61)
Werribee Tigers 1.3 4.7 9.11 13.16 (94)

GOALS
Frankston: Haretuku 3 Fox 2 Delahunty Miller Corp Kitchin
Werribee Tigers: Hansen 2 Pedersen 2 Purton-Smith 2 McKinley 2 Lynch Tuck Tarrant Castello Warren

BEST
Frankston: Hockey Kitchin Miller Osborne Haretuku Fox
Werribee Tigers: Pedersen Greenwood Gibson Ross Tuck Kennedy