Rapid improvement or a demotion to the reserves; that has been the situation confronting Warren Benjamin in recent weeks with VFL side North Ballarat.

The 20 year-old had a quiet start to the year, so much so that he was given an ultimatum by Kangaroos' development coach John Lamont and the catalyst was a 10 possession effort against the Magpies a fortnight ago.

In a true test of the youngster’s character, Benjamin has responded with some of his best football to date - a pleasing outcome for all of North’s coaching staff who see real potential and excitement in the developing midfielder.

Benjamin had 20 possessions and laid 12 tackles in difficult conditions last week, before backing up with 24 possessions and nine one-percenters on the weekend against Frankston.

Now in his second season at the club, North Melbourne's final selection in the 2008 draft was one of the Roosters' best in the five-goal win.

Despite falling out of favour with North Melbourne selectors of late, Leigh Harding continues to show plenty and a call-up to AFL ranks is imminent.

Rebounding countless attacks from half-back, Harding (35 possessions) pumped the ball inside 50 on seven ocassions.

Marcus White (27 possessions) was impressive once again along with fellow rookie Luke Delaney (14 possessions). Delaney pulled down seven marks despite spending over a quarter on the bench.

Injuries to David Hale and Corey Jones brought a sour note to the win. Hale left the ground in the second quarter with a knee injury, while Jones didn't return after the main break due to a back problem.
(More details on injuries will be posted on kangaroos.com.au on Tuesday)

A lack of tall-forwards meant Josh Smith (22 possessions, nine marks) was forced forward following a dominant first half in defence. He played a big part in the Roosters' dominant third quarter.

Youngster Brayden Norris had a quiet match (eight possessions) but kicked a great goal in the first quarter.

Frankston: 2.2 3.4 4.5 6.10-46
North Ballarat: 3.2 4.5 8.6 11.9-75

North Ballarat
Goal Kickers: D. Micallef 2, S. Clifton 2, J. Smith, C. Jones, L. Harding, D. Feery, T. McDonald, C. Benjamin, B. Norris
Best Players: L. Harding, S. Clifton, J. Smith, M. White, R. McKenzie, C. Richardson

Frankston
Goal Kickers: L. Clark 2, B. Crowe, L. Potts, S. Sienkiewicz, C. Proctor
Best Players: M. Baguley, R. Gabriel, M. Bosward, S. Hockey, S. Sienkiewicz, B. Crowe

Meanwhile, under lights at home, Werribee failed to keep its winning form, falling to the Northern Bullants by 25 points.

Carlton’s affiliate raced out to a five goal lead in the first quarter and were never seriously threatened by the Tigers.

Ben Speight (18 possessions) was again inaccurate in front of goal with 1.3 for the night, but the 19 year-old had an impact through the middle.

"He had a very good first quarter with nine possessions. He worked hard, gave plenty of run and used the ball well which is all we can ask for," North development coach Jason Lappin told kangaroos.com.au.

Named as an emergency for North Melbourne against Richmond, Jamie MacMillan was again good in defence (16 possessions), while Alan Obst played all over the ground.

"Alan worked hard as lead-up centre-half forward. He battled manfully in the ruck against a huge opponent in Robbie Warnock."

Despite not having the numbers of other players, Conor Meredith was valuable in defence for the second time in as many weeks.

Nathan O'Keefe struggled to get in the game due to a lack of supply, and finished with just four touches.

In the reserves, Ayden Kennedy (14 kicks, four handballs) continued on his road to recovery from a broken foot in an attacking role.

"He started really well and provided an excellent target at centre-half forward before tiring late in the game," Lappin added.

Also pleasing was the effort of Matthew Scott (20 possessions) who'll be looking for a call-up to the Werribee seniors this week.

Northern Bullants: 5.3 7.9 11.11 17.12-114
Werribee Tigers: 3.3 5.5 7.7 13.11-89

Werribee Tigers
Goal Kickers: R. Castello 3, W. Martiniello 2, M. Laidlaw 2, B. Speight, B. Dickson, J. Bryce, D. Gleeson, M. Thorp, B. Sharp
Best Players: D. Gleeson, R. Castello, W. Martiniello, S. Sherlock, B. Speight, B. Sharp

Northern Bullants
Goal Kickers: B. Fisher 4, S. O''Hailpin 3, D. ELLARD 2, J. McCorkell 2, L. Casboult, R. Kerr, A. Saad, R. Warnock, S. BROWNE, R. Hadley
Best Players: D. ELLARD, C. Johnson, B. Fisher, M. Davies, B. Thornton, S. O''Hailpin

Jamie MacMillan flies for a mark

Alan Obst tries to get past an opponent

Simon Atkins tries to lift the Tigers

Alan Obst and Jamie MacMillan fly high