Saturday night’s victory was unconvincing, but like the old saying goes; ‘a win’s a win’. With that in mind, it will be an interesting time at the selection table this week, and all eyes will be on kangaroos.com.au when the squad is announced on Thursday.
Will Brad Scott opt for changes? Or will he show confidence in the side that got the job done, albeit only just against the Suns?
Here’s our look at those most likely to be in the mix for selection.
Liam Anthony
North Ballarat: 35 possessions, nine one percenters, nine clearances
The ball-winning midfielder was at his best last weekend, amassing 35 disposals in just 70 per cent game time. Perhaps even more impressively, he laid seven tackles showing he’s working hard on the defensive side of his game. Most of North’s midfield brigade did find form against the Suns, so that’ll make things more difficult for Anthony.
Matt Campbell
North Ballarat: 10 possessions, four tackles
An emergency in Round 13, Campbell might find it hard to break into the side this week with others more influential at VFL level. He made the trip to the Gold Coast but returned early and played just 57 per cent of the game.
Cameron Delaney
North Ballarat: 13 possessions, five marks, three spoils
Back in the VFL after four weeks in the North side, Delaney got off to a slow start for the Roosters, but slowly worked into the match. Sam Gibson’s form off half-back makes the challenge a little harder, but the younger Delaney sibling was impressive with his run and carry during his stint at the highest level.
Luke Delaney
North Ballarat: 12 possessions, four marks, nine spoils
The big key-defender responded to his omission with a terrific performance for North Ballarat against the Blues, compiling a massive nine spoils for the day. While he’s struggled at times against the quicker types, Delaney has proven himself against strong opponents. If he stays close to home, Kurt Tippett looms as a potential opponent.
Aaron Edwards
North Ballarat: 15 possessions, five marks, two goals
Double-teamed for much of the day, Edwards was forced to earn every one of his possessions in his first VFL match since his ten-goal haul against the Cats last year. After bursting out of the blocks at the start of the year, the number 27 has struggled in recent weeks, but a week at the Roosters might have been just what he needed to regain confidence.
Cruize Garlett
North Ballarat: 32 possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles
He and Anthony were partners-in-crime for North Ballarat on Sunday, and Garlett was just pipped for best-on-ground honours. His ball use was a highlight (94 per cent efficiency), and given the form he showed as a substitute against the Hawks, he must be in contention for a recall.
Lachlan Hansen
Werribee: Nine possessions, six marks, four inside 50s
After two weeks on the sidelines due to suspension, Hansen was hoping for a big match against Sandringham to put his name forward. With 86 per cent game time he would have liked to find more of the footy, but given his stand-out performances before being reported, he’d have to be in the mix.
Ayden Kennedy
Werribee: 19 possessions, six marks
He’s been a shining light in recent weeks and must be edging closer to a debut in the royal blue and white. North has been conceding big scores and it may be searching for another defensive-stopper to quell the trend.
Ben McKinley
Werribee: 16 possessions, six marks
McKinley hasn’t had the impact around the goals he had last year, but his forward pressure and ability to push further up the ground has proven beneficial to the Tigers. He looks out of favour with the selectors given he hasn’t played since mid-2011, but has the talent to step up.
Aaron Mullett
North Ballarat: 13 possessions
Despite a promising start to the season, Mullett has been left out since Round 4. Listed as an emergency on several occasions, he could be a chance for a recall with another solid outing at the Roosters.
Cameron Pedersen
Werribee: 22 possessions, nine marks, 14 hit-outs
Three best-on-ground performances and six in total among the best haven’t translated to opportunities in the AFL this year; Pedersen has played just two games this year for North. He may get another chance soon though after another stellar performance on the weekend. He has many strings to his bow, but just needs to find his niche in the line-up as he did last season.
Cameron Richardson
North Ballarat: 21 possessions, six tackles, ten marks
Hitting his straps after an injury-interrupted pre-season campaign, Richardson pulled down four marks inside 50 against the Blues and has re-emerged as a candidate.
Will Sierakowski
Werribee: 24 possessions, six marks, eight inside 50s
The former Hawk continues to edge closer to a call-up and his efforts on the weekend will do his chances no harm. Sierakowski is a potential option off half-back should Brad Scott be searching for more run.
Ben Speight
Werribee: 16 possessions, six tackles
Development Coach John Lamont labelled Speight’s game as his ‘best of the year’ on Sunday, and the 22 year-old would be hoping that statement is enough to have him around the mark at match committee. His form over the season has been somewhat inconsistent, so he’ll need to continue his progress to become a regular feature in the North side again.
Ben Warren
Werribee: 20 possessions, six marks, four goals
29 goals in nine games is a fine return at any level, and another bag of four should have Warren in good stead if he’s picked this week. He was dropped after the clash against the Power, but given the nature of the loss, he might consider himself a little unlucky to be omitted. With that in mind, he’ll be desperate to prove a point should his name be called on Thursday.
SELECT YOUR BEST 22
North Melbourne v Adelaide Crows
Sunday June 24, 2012 - 4.40pm
Etihad Stadium
Gates open at 3pm.
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