And hard-bodied midfielder Ben Cunnington, a veteran of 96 games, also suddenly has a spring in his step when he plays alongside Turner.

 A lightly built schoolboy who made his AFL debut in round 20 and has played only three games, Turner is pushing hard for selection in North's side for Saturday night's elimination final against Essendon at the MCG. 

"We always knew he was a competitor. That's why we drafted him," Cunnington told AAP on Wednesday.

"I love the way he goes about it and I love playing with him. 

"I suppose it's funny saying you stand taller with a 60-kilo guy running out there, but honestly you do. 

"It's good. He attacks everything a million miles an hour and it's good to play alongside him.

"He's still at school. 

"Everyone has been impressed with him." 

Turner was taken at No.25 in the 2014 Rookie Draft. Listed officially at 67kg, the Wodonga product has beefed up to 75kg but still looks wiry. 

"Kayne has been sensational for us this year," North's star small forward Thomas says. 

"Kayne has come in out of nowhere basically. "He's a great kid, just wants to learn every chance he gets. 

"He's basically in a schoolboy's body and plays like (North's joint vice-captain) Jack Ziebell. 

"He's fearless. He tackles hard and he plays with great intensity." 

Turner kicked four goals last week against Melbourne in his third outing. 

But the youngster also made a strong impression on debut on August 9 in Canberra against Greater Western Sydney, ironing out the Giants' co-captain Phil Davis with a bone-crunching bump.

* Age: 18 

* Height/weight: 180cm/75kg 

* Recruited from: Wodonga/Murray Under-18 

* Debut: 2014 

* Games: 3 

* Total disposals: 35

* Total goals: 7 

* Total tackles: 12