Bar an eight goal third term, the reigning premiers played second fiddle for large parts of the game and never genuinely threatened the Essendon affiliate.
"Bendigo were a bit too fast and moved the ball quickly and more directly. They created 65 inside 50's to North Ballarat's 35. It is very difficult to win with this type of inside 50 discrepancy," North development coach Jason Lappin told kangaroos.com.au.
The AFL bye week provided an opportunity for several players returning from injury to increase their match practice, with Ben Cunnington (27 possessions) and Liam Anthony (24 possessions) both influential at different stages.
"Ben was excellent in the second half and was a key to the Roosters getting back into the game in the third term. He had 18 possessions after half-time."
Daniel Pratt (32 possessions, 5 tackles) showed he's more than ready should he be called on by the coach in a polished performance down back. The experienced defender repelled countless Bendigo attacks.
In a similar boat was the Delaney brothers. Cameron and Luke had 11 possessions a piece with plenty to do in defence and the latter also battled manfully as a relief ruckman.
"Luke (12 hit-outs, 6 spoils) was solid in defence and gave a great contest both in the air and on the ground."
Further up the ground Brayden Norris (15 possessions, 1 goal) wasn't a high disposal winner but worked tirelessly to present and get to every contest across half-forward and through the middle.
Meanwhile Aaron Edwards (18 possessions, 8 marks, 2 goals) turned his form around after a quiet afternoon against Collingwood in round two. The number 27 was the Roosters "most effective forward" and should be right in the mix for selection on Thursday to play Fremantle.
