STEPHENSON UNDER FIRE FOR OPENER
NORTH Melbourne speedster Jaidyn Stephenson faces an uphill battle to claim a round 1 berth as a pair of teammates turned up the selection pressure at match simulation on Friday.
Stephenson struggled to have any impact in the hour-long scratch match after starting at half forward in the ‘B’ side at Arden St.
The quiet performance suggests the man who was traded from Collingwood after three seasons clearly has work to do to impress new coach Alastair Clarkson ahead of the practice match games against Richmond (February 24) at Arden St and Western Bulldogs (March 4) at Ikon Park.
But key forward Charlie Comben looks on track to start in the senior side alongside Nick Larkey as the second key forward target after an eyecatching display taking several strong contested marks deep in attack.
Comben could fill a key void for the
Roos in the front half, while playmaker Paul Curtis also turned heads on Friday with a clever snapped goal and a big grab to put down payments on selection in round 1 against West Coast at Marvel Stadium.
But Stephenson’s position remains in danger with Clarkson certain to set strong selection standards and put a major emphasis on defensive capabilities.
Stephenson, 24, kicked three goals from 16 games last year but could be
leapfrogged by some younger teammates three years after he was traded from the Magpies as part of a deal for pick 26.
Clearly, the ex-Magpie will face tougher competition for a spot in 2023 with No.3 draft pick Harry Sheezel, rookie selection Blake Drury, excitement machine Paul Curtis and Jackson Archer piling on pressure to play early in the season.
Archer played a scintillating first term rebounding off half back.