Majak makes his move
NORTH Melbourne looks set to inject small defender Luke McDonald into its midfield mix this season after a sparkling intra-club performance yesterday.
The hard nut has been one of North’s most reliable backmen but was a stand out in the centre square with his courageous attack on the ball yesterday.
Tall utility Majak Daw also showed significant promise and athleticism in his new centre half back position, reaching above packs of players to spoil throughout the match.
And No. 4 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke continues to track towards a Round 1 debut after showing glimpses of his trademark cleanness and power through the middle.
McDonald finished the match on the bench after copping a high knock to the head along with exciting forward Mason Wood, who hurt his left thumb.
Wood, who has endured a horror injury run, required some ice but is expected to be fine.
Former Bomber Alex Morgan also limped off the ground late with a sore left quad.
McDonald’s move into the midfield division will give coach Brad Scott the extra coverage to swing key onball cogs Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington forward more regularly this year.
Cunnington fired in the second term kicking back-to-back goals from a pair of strong-bodied marks.
Ziebell was also one of the Roos’ best despite post-season foot surgery which interrupted his preseason.
However, the two senior midfielders could be rested on Friday night when the Roos take on Carl- ton and Melbourne in their AFLX opener at Etihad Stadium.
Teammate Nathan Hrovat said McDonald and silky second-year forward Jy Simpkin would give North’s midfield unit some extra weapons in 2018.
“Both of those guys give us a little bit of a different dynamic than, I guess, Cunnington and Ziebell and working together (it will be) a really formidable midfield group,” Hrovat said.
“So, I’m really excited about those guys and as you can see they’re playing some really good footy this time of the year.”
Hrovat said the Roos were hopeful of challenging for a finals berth this year, after six wins last season.
New recruit Billy Hartung was busy on the wing but was unable to use his pace or foot skills to move the ball forward as cleanly as he would like. Shaun Higgins and forward Taylor Garner were rested.