With the JLT Series over for another year, we take a look back at North Melbourne’s most impressive pre-season performers as the focus shifts to Round 1 in less than two weeks’ time. 

The usual suspects

Shaun Higgins 

2018 Syd Barker Medalist and All Australian Shaun Higgins isn’t looking like slowing down any time soon, if his JLT Series is anything to go by. 

Higgins averaged 27 disposals and a goal across the two games, and once again looks set to be one of the Roos’ key players in 2019. 

Jamie Macmillan

Macmillan was only involved in one game of the JLT Series, but his 40-disposal effort against St Kilda was enough to catch the eye. 

The number 34 also took 11 marks in a stellar display, and the Roos will be desperate to get him back in the line-up after he picked up a calf issue in training in the lead-up to JLT 2.

New faces

Jared Polec

Polec showed exactly why the Roos were so desperate to recruit him in the 2018 Trade Period, with two excellent performances.

The wingman collected plenty of the ball, averaging 26 disposals in the two games, and showed his ability to penetrate with seven inside-50s against his old side. 

Dom Tyson 

Tyson was another to show why he was recruited, with the former Demon putting in two strong midfield efforts in the absence of Ben Cunnington. 

North’s new number 21 averaged 22.5 disposals and 5.5 clearances across the two games, and will add significant depth to the Roos’ midfield. 

Taking the next step

Paul Ahern 

After making his debut in Round 11 of 2018, Ahern impressed North fans with his ability to find the football, and this continued in the JLT Series.

The 22-year old averaged 23.5 disposals in the JLT Series, and showed the danger he possesses going forward with a 3-goal first-quarter against the Power.

Luke Davies-Uniacke 

Davies-Uniacke had a somewhat quiet first season of AFL football, playing just the seven games.

But his JLT Series suggests he is ready for a true break-out year, with two confident performances in the midfield, where he averaged 21.5 disposals and 3.5 clearances 

The bolters

Bailey Scott

North’s first father-son selection at the 2018 Draft enjoyed a very impressive JLT Series.

Scott excelled on the wing, rarely looking out of place against AFL footballers, and will certainly be pushing for a Round 1 berth.

Tarryn Thomas 

Thomas was selected by North with pick 8 at the 2018 Draft, and showed some strong signs why in the JLT Series.

The 18-year-old impressed with his tackling pressure in the forward-line, and if he is able to begin to impact games like he did at junior level, he could be in line for a strong year.