BRAD Scott believes Todd Goldstein could be a smoky for this year's Brownlow Medal, while the North Melbourne coach says four-goal hero Ben Brown has the potential to become a "great" player.

Goldstein almost certainly banked another three votes in the Roos' crucial 25-point win over Essendon on Friday night.

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The star ruckman dominated undersized opponent Shaun McKernan from the outset, leading the way for a Roos side that was, at times, lacklustre.

Goldstein finished with a season-high 27 touches, 56 hit-outs, eight marks, eight clearances and a goal as the Roos climbed to an 8-7 win-loss record and ninth spot on the ladder.

Game breaker: Goldstein shines 

Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe is the clear Brownlow Medal leader, but Goldstein's $14 odds before Friday night would surely have tightened after another stellar performance.

"I said at the start of the year he really wants to stamp his authority on the competition and put his hand up as one of the premier big men in the game, and I think he's well on the way to doing that," Scott said.

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"(It's) really hard to say in terms of the Brownlow, but he's just been a really dominant player for us all year and he's been really consistent. I think he'd be right up there with a couple of others."

North controlled the midfield battle thanks to Goldstein, who only received three Brownlow votes last season, winning the stoppages 44-27 and centre clearances 17-7.

Brown was also important, providing an avenue to goal in Drew Petrie's absence after the veteran's one-match ban for striking.

The shaggy-haired key forward booted 4.1 from 10 disposals and six marks – including a towering grab in the pocket in the first term.

"He's a natural footballer. I've got a lot of time for him; he's not a great player yet but he's got the potential to be one," Scott said.

"He's got all the attributes, he's 200cm, got terrific endurance, great agility. He probably looks a little bit ungainly at times but he gets the job done."

Scott admitted there would be few highlights from the Roos' fifth win over Essendon from the past six meetings, although he praised the Bombers' endeavour and was pleased with his side's effort.

Before the bounce, North's dismal record of 11 wins and 14 losses on the back of wins, stretching back to late 2013, had been highlighted coming off perhaps their best game this year against Geelong.

"We had a really big emphasis this week on following up last week's performance and we did that," Scott said.

The Roos' draw looks favourable in the month ahead, with clashes against lowly Brisbane Lions, Carlton, Melbourne and St Kilda offering the chance to climb the ladder.

But first, plenty of focus will be directed to Brent Harvey's 400th game at the Gabba next weekend.

The evergreen veteran impressed with 34 touches against the Dons a week after donning the sub's vest against the Cats, and Scott all-but guaranteed Harvey wouldn't wear it again against the Lions.

"You wouldn't your 400th photo in a green vest, I wouldn't have thought. I think it will be unlikely, but we won't rule it out," he said.

Scott said Aaron Mullett, who was subbed out with a hamstring injury at half-time, was more likely than unlikely to be available against the Lions, but defender Jamie Macmillan's hamstring "looks more serious".