North’s clash with Sydney on Sunday is crucial for its pursuit of a spot in September, and with Cameron Zurhaar ruled out for at least two months, there is at least one change required.

North VFL team lost to Casey on Saturday in undesirable conditions, however there were some players that made a good case for senior selection.

North Media takes a look at those in the mix for this weekend’s match.

Defenders

Key defender Ben McKay has put a solid body of work together in the VFL this season, and added to that on the weekend.

In what was a tough day for the North defenders, McKay stood tall against Casey, keeping structure and organising his teammates despite the Roos’ defence being peppered by its opponents.

In his first game back after being omitted from the senior side, Tom Murphy impressed, finding plenty of the ball and reading it well off the boot of the opposition.

Alex Morgan continues to edge closer to a debut, included as an emergency for the AFL side last week.

Midfielders

Luke Davies-Uniacke was clearly one of North’s best players in the VFL on the weekend, winning clean possession of the ball and gaining plenty of territory for his side.

Fellow first-year player Will Walker was a carry-over emergency on the weekend, meaning he didn’t feature in the VFL, but after a string of impressive performances, a debut may be just around the corner.

Ruckman Braydon Preuss was dominant in the miserable conditions, winning 72 hit-outs and 7 clearances of his own to go with 19 disposals.

However, the recent form of Todd Goldstein may require Preuss to remain patient.

Forwards

In what was a tough day for key forwards, Nick Larkey competed hard despite failing to hit the scoreboard.

With Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood still sidelined through injury, Larkey’s chances to assist Ben Brown down forward remain high.