Hale led the Roos' goalkicking despite favouring the ruck for the first half of last year and showed a compelling influence with 12 goals from two outings against Geelong's revered defence.
Even in the round-22 hiding against Port Adelaide, his 100th game, the 24-year-old kept his composure to kick four and provide a positive for his rattled side.
At 201cm and 103kg, Hale towers over most key defenders though his agility was the focus at training at Arden Street on Wednesday – winning lofted contests but diving for others sent in at knee-height.
Some opponents couldn't even get a fist near his hands, little match for his reach and strength.
Assistant coach Darren Bewick, who has reclaimed forward-line responsibilities after a year in charge of the midfield, has been heartened by Hale's continued emergence.
"In an ideal world, we'd love to have David Hale playing in a key forward position every week," he said. "He showed last year that given that chance he can be a real match-winner for us.
"It gets back to David now believing he can be a marquee player. That's not putting too much pressure on him because that's what he wants to be and he's put the time and effort in to actually be that player.
"I'm really hopeful and encouraged by what we've seen during the pre-season, that this season's going to be a big one for him. If David can stand up and kick 50 goals, I think we're on the way."
Arriving at North at the end of 2001 – at No. 7 in the draft and weighing less than 80kg – Hale is flourishing after years of development.
The Queenslander's attacking role has been fast-tracked by Hamish McIntosh as chief ruckman, the development of understudy Todd Goldstein and the versatility of vice-captain Drew Petrie.
However, Bewick suggested that Hale could be changed up with Petrie to spend time on the ball.
The forward line's wealth of options extend to VFL grand final hero Josh Smith, key position prospect Lachlan Hansen and elevated rookie Michael Wundke – "a beautiful kick" – all part of the shuffle created by Shannon Grant and Nathan Thompson's retirement.
"We've introduced blokes over the last couple of years who have been able to fill gaps like that," Bewick said. "We missed Nathan for one whole year (in 2007) and managed a lot of goals that year.
"That makes us less predictable to opposition backlines [because] we're not always going to the one bloke. Although a difficult task, once the season's up and going we reckon we've got enough options to cover them."
Bewick also acknowledged the importance of Aaron Edwards, who returned for the last two games of 2008 after breaking his leg in round six.
"Aaron's a very vital part of the forward line," he said. "Because of his work-rate and ability to be a target for his teammates up the ground, it makes the defenders' job a little bit harder.
"He is difficult to match up on because he does play taller than he is. A lot of people don’t realise he's midfield size.
"He's another one who's pretty keen to get back on board and be a part of it."
