North Ballarat will welcome Aaron Mullett back to the fold as it hopes to overcome a disappointing start to the season.

It was less than 24 months ago the Roosters held up the premiership cup for the third time in as many years; now the North Melbourne affiliate sits near the bottom of the table with just one win from six games.

A one-point loss a fortnight ago was a hard to swallow for Gerard Fitzgerald’s team, and having conceded more than 100 points in each of its defeats, the screws will need to be tightened against Coburg at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.

That job becomes even more difficult with Cameron Delaney’s promotion to the AFL. One of few shining lights for the Roosters in 2012, Delaney will be sorely missed, while the news of Brad McKenzie’s debut in the royal blue and white leaves another hole in defence.

Mullett’s inclusion off half-back could be a handy one, while Gavin Urquhart has also found form in recent weeks. Through the midfield, there’ll be plenty of reliance on Kangaroos’ Cam Richardson and Cruize Garlett, likewise Matt Campbell who has a lot to prove following his omission from the North side after Round 4.

Todd Goldstein’s call-up from the match committee means Ben Mabon will be left to shoulder the ruck duties, and that will be no easy task with Richmond-listed players Angus Graham and Andrew Browne to contend with.

North Ballarat vs. Coburg Tigers
Saturday 12th May
Eureka Stadium at 12:45 PM
(Free entry for NMFC match-day members)

Like the Kangaroos who'll be taking the field at the same time, Werribee is hoping for its fourth win of the season on Sunday.

The Tigers have had the luxury of benefiting from the Kangaroos’ array of key-position options in recent weeks, and that will be no exception against the Dolphins as Nathan Grima, Lachlan Hansen, Robbie Tarrant and Cam Pedersen all ply their trade.

In the midfield there’s a North flavour too. Malcolm Lynch, Will Sierakowski and Levi Greenwood have been named across the centre and Majak Daw will be hoping to get first use to another Kangaroo out of the ruck, Sam Gibson.

It’s a similar story up forward as Tarrant hopes to prove why he should be a regular at the higher level and Ben McKinley aims for another strong performance to stake his claim for a promotion.

The back-line will be led by the experienced Nathan Grima who’s edging closer to selection, while Ayden Kennedy will look to continue his resurgence after a long lay-off through injury at full-back.

Frankston sits on the bottom of the VFL ladder, but tasted victory a fortnight ago against Coburg.

Frankston vs. Werribee Tigers
Sunday 13th May
Frankston Oval at 2:00 PM
(Free entry for NMFC match-day members)