Two consecutive stand-out weeks in the VFL has young midfielder Ben Cunnington in the best possible position for a call-up to the North Melbourne side.
With the Roos set to play their first Friday night match of the year, Cunnington's performance for North Ballarat against Coburg had him named best on ground with 24 possessions, five tackles and a goal.
Also listed in the best players alongside Cunnington was exciting rookie Aaron Mullett who continues to grow as a player.
The silky left-footer's 26 disposals included five inside 50's and a goal.
In fact North Melbourne development coach Jason Lappin declared all of the club's VFL aligned players 'contributed well', including Shaun Atley who was able to shake off a minor knee concern to collect 18 disposals and lay four tackles in the 92-point victory.
There were encouraging signs from Lindsay Thomas who has displayed an exemplary attitude since being sent back to the VFL. The small forward kicked four goals and four behinds, had 18 touches and dragged down an opponent in a tackle on five occasions.
Others putting their hands up for a recall are Cruize Garlett with 20 possessions (eight contested), Daniel Pratt who had 19 touches and Luke Delaney after he kept Brad Miller to just one goal.
Still looking for their first game for the year are Cam Delaney who was outstanding down back with 18 disposals, nine marks and four spoils, Marcus White after 17 possessions and five inside 50's and Brayden Norris with 16 touches, while Aaron Black continues his improvement with 11 possessions and two goals.
Meanwhile in the reserves, Ed Lower had a sensational return to football collecting 19 possessions, six tackles and a goal in just three quarters of play. The 24 year-old will be hoping to play in the seniors next week. Young ruckman Ben Mabon (aka Greg Sawn) also got through after back troubles with 10 hit-outs and five touches playing 75 percent of the game.
Coburg Tigers 2.0 3.4 4.6 7.8 (50)
North Ballarat 8.4 10.9 18.11 21.16 (142)
North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: R. McKenzie 4, L. Thomas 4, D. Micallef 3, M. Sewell 2, A. Black 2, N. O''Brien 2, L. George , A. Mullett , N. Peters , L. Hoy
Best Players: B. Cunnington, M. Sewell, A. Mullett, N. Peters, R. McKenzie, L. Thomas
Coburg
Goal Kickers: D. Rayson , B. Miller , J. Post , J. Webberley , J. Daniels , B. Clifton , R. Hore
Best Players: S. Power, M. Dea, R. Hicks, L. Masters, J. Daniels, M. Tanner
Cunnington pushes for return
Two consecutive stand-out weeks in the VFL has young midfielder Ben Cunnington in the best possible position for a call up to the North Melbourne side.
