Tom Curran was superb in North Ballarat’s final practice match kicking three goals and providing a key target up forward despite a drubbing at the hands of Williamstown.

The second year key position player tallied all but one of the Roosters’ majors, on a difficult day for the forwards.

“For a key forward, his tackling and pressure was really good early and it definitely stood out,” development coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.

“He kicked a couple of crumbing goals which was good to see from a guy his size.

“He presented all day and on another day he could have had five or six goals.  It was a good sign on a day that was tough for forwards with the ball not going into the forward 50 too much.”

In the reserves, Eric Wallace continued his journey with his second game in Roosters’ colours.

With his debut a shortened game, this was his first full match and his own game time increased from 60 minutes to 100.

“It was a good step up for him to play a lot more on the ground.

“He spent a lot of time in the ruck so from a conditioning point of view and learning how to finish off a game, it was a good learning experience for him.

“It was a good challenge from an individual point of view and he ended up with 22 hit-outs which was impressive.”

Without a few of the North Melbourne listed players in action, Max Warren took on more responsibility and still continued his good pre-season form.

“Max had an additional task in trying to organise the defence behind the ball, rather than just worrying about his own man,” Drummond added.

“It was to get a bit of the leader out of him and put it to good use.

“He did that well for the majority of the game. His communication and direction was good which was a big step forward for him.

Drummond also called Warren one of the standouts of the pre-season.

In the ruck Ben Mabon had a tough task as he was double teamed by Williamstown’s two ruckmen.

However he held his own and contributed around the ground in a solid performance.

In Geelong, Mitch Wilkins collected 20 possessions at 100 percent kicking efficiency.

Under big pressure in the defensive half he continued his impressive form at Eureka Stadium.

“Once again he was composed and calm with the ball in his hands,” Drummond said.

“He didn’t make any errors and made some good decisions with the ball.

“He’s shown over these three weeks that he’s good in possession and he’s just about getting the right balance in his game between offence and defence.

North Ballarat 4.8.32
Williamstown 19.17.131