Scott pointed to the fact North Melbourne was on top in almost of all of its key indicators after the defeat to the Swans but his side let itself down. That will most likely prompt a look to the VFL for answers.
While Sam Gibson was a clear stand-out with his 40 disposal, three goal performance on Friday, but he wasn’t the only one to impress, meaning the club’s main skills session will be all important for those pushing up.
Against the inexperienced Suns, a chance could open up for a youngster as it did for Cameron Delaney back in Round 2.
kangaroos.com.au takes a look at the players with a chance to be included in the 22.
Click here to pick your best 22 and have your say on the changes in the comments field below.
(in alphabetical order)
Aaron Black
Black is among a bevy of tall forwards pressing for a call-up, and while others are probably slightly ahead of him in terms of their productivity around the goals, the youngster is finding more of the ball and creating more chances this season. He’ll no doubt get a chance to add to his Round 24 appearance in 2011 at some stage this year.
Cameron Delaney
The young defender would have been close to a Rising Star nominee after his strong performance on debut. He was omitted for the Cats’ clash in favour of his brother Luke who possesses a bigger frame, but would hope for a look-in for a recall on Saturday after solid form in the VFL.
Cruize Garlett
The inside-midfielder has been named as the Roosters’ best twice in the past fortnight and must be close to another opportunity in the royal blue and white. He was an emergency for the clash against the Swans, but may just make the next step following a below-par performance from last week’s 22.
Sam Gibson
In full view of assistant coaches Shane Watson, Darren Crocker and Brett Allison, Gibson looked a class above in Werribee’s win. Many expected him to be promoted at the start of the year, but his dominance against Geelong on Friday surely can’t be ignored. Spots on the senior list are his only obstacle.
Levi Greenwood
Greenwood travelled interstate and might consider himself a little unlucky not to get a game in slippery conditions. He’ll be fresher than ever having had a week without football, and following a terrific outing a fortnight ago in the Foxtel Cup, will no doubt be in the mix again.
Nathan Grima
The key-defender has spent weeks in the VFL now, and the fact he hasn’t been rushed back is a testament to the form of North’s back six. Grima was pivotal late in the Tigers’ win on Friday night, and looks ready to return should an opportunity arise.
Lachlan Hansen
Werribee has had the luxury of having several key-position players among its North brigade in recent weeks, and Hansen is no exception. The number six gained special praise from development coach John Lamont for his efforts when the game was in the balance on Friday.
Brad McKenzie
It seems only a matter of time before the silky-skilled left footer gets his chance. This week could well be the perfect opportunity given the success Cam Delaney had on debut just three weeks ago. Another 17 touches for the Roosters on Saturday will go a long way towards a first appearance in the royal blue and white.
Ben McKinley
The most impressive facet of McKinley’s game in the opening rounds of the VFL has been his consistency. The 25 year-old is yet to put in a bad performance and has improved his work-rate without the ball. He had 18 possessions and took six marks in Werribee’s victory.
Aaron Mullett
Mullett was solid against the Giants in Round 2 and will be among those looked at to gain further experience against the young Suns. 25 disposals in a day to forget for the Roosters will put him firmly in the coaches sights.
Cameron Pedersen
A fan favourite, Pedersen hasn’t been able to crack the seniors this year, but it’s the form of the club’s key-position players that seems to be keeping him out more than his own form. 10 handball receives in the VFL last week suggests he’s added more running to his game, and coach Scott will take solace from the fact he’s been able to stand up every time he’s been given the chance.
Cameron Richardson
Without a pre-season, Richardson’s return to form has been pleasing. He had another 23 touches last week, and now has four games under his belt, not losing an inch of the form that saw him so high in the Liston Trophy last season. Now he needs to prove he can produce at the highest level.
Will Sierakowski
John Lamont labelled his game last week as his best of the year, and while he looks a little further away than others from a senior call-up, the former Hawk was brought to the club to play senior football. With 20 possessions and six marks, he looks to be improving every week.
Ben Speight
One of three Kangaroos among Werribee’s best last week, Speight had 28 possessions and pulled down seven marks. His trademark run and carry was on show as he registered 14 handball receives. Kieran Harper’s form as a substitute may warrant a full game on Saturday and Speight would be only too happy to take up a role he made his own in 2011 as a ‘super sub’.
Robbie Tarrant
Tarrant has been in good form at VFL level, and was on the cusp of selection again before the Swans’ match, named as an emergency. His three-goal haul on Friday should keep him in line for a potential recall.
Ben Warren
Having been arguably Werribee’s best player this year, Warren was a little quieter in his last hit-out with just the one goal. His previous form can’t be ignored though, and he’ll have to come into consideration if Scott is searching another avenue to goal.
