AS PAUL Medhurst started to cut loose in the second quarter of North Melbourne’s gutsy round five win over Collingwood, Ed Lower could have easily dropped his bundle.

Having done his job so well in the opening term, the tide started to turn the Magpies’ way in the second period and the Kangaroos' defence was under fire.

And just before the main break, the former Norwood junior found himself where no player wants to be. On the pine.

The Magpies booted 6.2 to 2.5 in the second quarter and were on a roll, with Medhurst responding to a Mick Malthouse quarter-time blast.

In doing so, Lower had lessened his guard and could have expected a blast of his own when he got to the Kangaroos' bench.

But, perhaps in a sign not only of Dean Laidley’s experience as a coach but also in his faith in Lower, there was no rocket.

"I just sat there, they didn’t really have a go at me which was good," Lower said.

"They [the coaching staff] just said, ‘Keep your head up’ and stuff.

"I guess he [Medhurst] is the sort of player that can pop up and kick a couple pretty quickly."

Lower’s opening half against the Magpies continued the 20-year-old’s rollercoaster ride in 2008.

After being suspended early this season in the VFL and missing a couple of games, Lower returned to win his place in the senior side and play in the Kangaroos’ convincing win against Melbourne.

But it was perhaps the maturity he showed in overcoming last week’s second-quarter setback that speaks volumes of the player the Kangaroos see him becoming.

After half time, Lower, who might just develop into Laidley’s Mr. Fix-it, went forward, not only to kick two crucial goals in his side’s thrilling seven-point win but also help eliminate one of the opposition’s vital playmakers.

"I was tagging Heath Shaw a bit actually, as a bit of a forward defensive role," he said.

"To do that, and kick a couple of goals and therefore have a bit of a contribution in the win, was great."

Tagging isn’t new to Lower.

He has spent a considerable amount of time working with the club’s No. 1 shut-down man, Brady Rawlings, and played most of his VFL football last season as a stopper.

He arrived at the club as a defender and worked mainly Glenn Archer and Daniel Pratt, but since embracing more midfield roles, Lower has started taking hints from ball-winners such as Adam Simpson and Daniel Harris.

And if the opportunity arises – as it did last Saturday night – to sneak forward, then he’d happy to do that, too.

"I don’t mind kicking goals … but as I said I’m happy to play wherever I can give a contribution to the team," Lower said.

"I’m just hoping to play as many games as I can this year and cement a spot.

"I’ll just be trying to find some consistency at AFL level now."