For most of the North Melbourne playing list, this coming weekend will be full of rest and relaxation as it’s the last chance for the boys to have a break before round one against the Eagles on March 27.

But for a select few, it will be one of the most important weekend's in their football lives.

Nathan Grima, Ben Cunnington and Ben Ross have been selected to play in a VFL practice match between North Ballarat and Werribee, and each of them will have a point to prove.

Taking place on Saturday, March 19 at 2pm in Ballarat (Eureka Stadium), there’ll be plenty of interest in the match with North's coaching staff scrutinizing the trio’s output and progress.

For Grima (Werribee), the chance to play round one is definitely a possibility. The key defender’s recovery from back surgery has gone exactly to plan and his
dedicated and determined approach to rehabilitation has him on track to play West Coast. Naturally fit and armed with an ability to push through the pain barrier, Grima requires less match conditioning than most.

Cunnington (North Ballarat) has had a more conservative comeback from a niggling knee injury and is also in the mix for a round one selection. On Saturday, his game time will increase as will his intensity at the ball as his confidence continues to grow. If he can prove his fitness, Cunnington’s addition in the midfield will add some much needed grunt and aggression.

In the case of Ross (Werribee), it will be the first time he’s played in anger for almost 12 months after groin and hip injuries forced him out in early 2010. A real line breaker, it expected Ross will need a few weeks to find his feet at VFL level before pushing for senior selection.

Nathan Grima at training on Wednesday

Ben Ross at training on Wednesday