Ed Lower has staked his strongest claim yet for a recall to the North Melbourne team after a match-winning performance for North Ballarat on Saturday.

The midfielder finished with 29 disposals and nine tackles in the Roosters’ 13-point win over Sandringham and earned plenty of praise from Kangaroos’ Development Coach John Lamont.

“Ed had a strong inside game. There was a time in the third quarter when the game was really in the balance and he willed himself to have an impact. Two of his efforts resulted directly in goals when the game was on a knife’s edge. It was fantastic that Ed was able to assert his influence at important times during the match,” Lamont told kangaroos.com.au.

While Lower edges closer to an AFL return, Corey Jones did his selection chances no harm. Named best afield for the third week in a row, Jones racked up 30 possessions and took 14 marks, but some inaccurate kicking restricted his influence in front of goal.

“Corey’s continuing to knock on the door saying ‘if there’s a role there for me I’m ready to step in’. He’s playing with leadership and Brad Scott would be really pleased with the way he’s going about his football.”

North Ballarat took full advantage of a slight breeze in the first term booting five goals to nil to open up a 29-point lead. Lamont said the only concern was a minor shoulder injury to Aaron Edwards.

“Aaron started really positively so it was a shame he had to come off. I’d expect he’ll be right for selection next week. He had reasonable range and movement after the game; we just didn’t want to the take the risk. We have an eight day break, so he should be right.” Lamont added.

Sandringham fought back strongly in the second and third terms and at one stage closed to within a goal during the premiership quarter.
Lower’s influence and a brave move from Gerard Fitzgerald to move Josh Smith forward eventually made the difference.

“Josh had a really strong finish to the game with two important goals. Perhaps more impressive though were his efforts in defence. He made some really good spoils and competed really well. He was even forced to help out in the ruck when Orren Stephenson needed a breather.”

Smith finished the match with 25 possessions and 13 marks, five of those contested, as well as eight spoils.

Also pleasing was the return of Gavin Urquhart after a five-week stint on the sidelines with a knee injury.

“At times his kicking was a real feature. He ran out of steam a few times, so he’ll be better for the run. He worked pretty hard, so it was a positive start in his comeback and he finished with 21 possessions.”

Cruize Garlett was effective in the midfield with 29 possessions, while Marcus White relished a run-with role against Saints’ regular David Armitage and youngster Jack Stevens. The North Melbourne rookie finished with 13 touches.

Aaron Black showed some encouraging signs as he continues his return from a groin injury. The North draftee had three goals.

“We would have liked him to get more of the ball but the fact that he kicked three was great. He’s coming from a fair way back, but he’s going along well and will just have to maintain his professionalism.”

Warren Benjamin had a quiet outing with just 12 possessions and a goal.

Sandringham 0.6 5.9 9.16 12.19 (91)
North Ballarat 5.5 7.8 13.12 15.14 (104)

GOALS:
Sandringham: Sautner 3 Lourey 2 Tregear 2 Walsh 2 Armitage Bruno Geary
North Ballarat: Black 3 Micallef 2 Smith 2 Garlett Edwards Peters McKenzie Driscoll Benjamin Urquhart Jones

BEST:
Sandringham: Simpkin Geary Armitage Smith Pattison Magner
North Ballarat: Lower Jones Clifton Smith Richardson Moloney