North Melbourne supplied North Ballarat with a high class forward line for Sunday’s VFL match against Bendigo and it paid dividends.

The Roosters were able to hold off a fast finishing Bombers’ outfit with three goals apiece to Corey Jones (25 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles) and Aaron Edwards (16 disposals, 4 marks) and two goals from David Hale (17 disposals, 5 marks, 26 hit-outs, 4 tackles).

For Hale, it was a chance to rebuild some confidence after overcoming a niggling back issue. The tall-forward was left out of the round 13 North side which beat Port Adelaide despite being declared fit and ready to go. For Brad Scott, it was a case of challenging Hale to earn his spot.

“We’ve had all 22 players contribute really well…But Haley is fit and available to play and he’ll have to force his way back into the side,” Scott said on Thursday.

Also playing in the ruck as a back up to Sam Conroy, Hale showed he was more than able to get back in AFL contention.

While most of the attention was on Hale’s performance, North Melbourne development coach John Lamont was quick to shift the focus to Leigh Harding’s (26 disposals, 4 marks, 2 behinds) game.

“Leigh continues to play some great footy and has ensured that his name will be under the coach’s nose come selection time for round 14 against Geelong.

Harding had a consistent day operating out of the back line and mainly on the wing.

“He got the ball inside fifty on seven occasions which was a real highlight,” Lamont said.

It was also an important day for North rookie Marcus White (22 disposals, 5 tackles) who has had an interrupted past month.

“Marcus had every reason to be frustrated. A groin injury, week off and then a corked hip last week had all made for as pretty tough month for him.”

However, the gritty teenager fought back strongly playing as a small defender and midfielder.

“He really needed the run and it should give him every bit of confidence going forward.”

Brayden Norris (16 disposals) and Warren Benjamin (14 disposals) had quiet days.

“The conditions really didn’t suit Brayden. It was a very heavy track and he is still adjusting to the VFL being of a slender build.

North Ballarat: 15.14.104
Bendigo: 15.8.98