Midfield recruits shine during intraclub for Roos

AARON Hall and Dom Tyson look set to become important additions to North Melbourne's midfield after the recruits shone in Friday's match simulation session at Arden Street.

Hall's run and carry and delivery inside forward 50 was noticeable during the Roos' intraclub practice match, while Tyson continues to make every post a winner with the way he was able to find the ball in an inside midfield role.

In the only real concern, back-up ruckman Tom Campbell copped a knock to his shoulder which needed to be iced up and he took no part in the second half of match practice.

Hall switched between the 'blue' and 'orange' team during the four 15-minute quarters in sweltering heat and formed a close partnership with Shaun Higgins – another standout – when they were paired in the same team.

Higgins, a first-time All Australian in 2018, looked in fine touch on Friday, having several shots on goal running through the midfield and displaying his expert decision-making.

The 30-year-old just failed to convert a superb bit of play when he received a handball in the middle of the ground and was confronted almost straight away. But he was able to slip an underground handball to a teammate and then receive the footy back, with his shot on the run just fading to the right.

After an up and down 2018, Luke McDonald's form across half-back would have been encouraging for North fans. McDonald used his attacking flair with the ball to pinpoint passes and he took the game on with his legs as well.

With Jack Ziebell (calf) and Ben Brown (knee) still sidelined, gun midfielder Ben Cunnington was trialled as the deepest forward out of the goalsquare at times as the Kangaroos look to expand their attacking options.

Cunnington won out against his opponent, which at times was Ed Vickers-Willis, on a few occasions with the star clearance player able to use his brute force to protect the drop zone and mark on the lead.

Young forward Nick Larkey took a couple of strong grabs up forward in the first two periods, but faded out of the game later on, as the play slowed down.

The Roos did more match sim at Arden St this morning. Usual suspects - Cunnington, Higgins, Hall and Tyson - won plenty of footy. Ahern and Jacobs sat out but only to manage workload. Loved Tarryn's tackling intent. Good to see Garner out there, too.

Top draftee Tarryn Thomas didn't win a heap of the ball but his ability to chase and pressure the opposition led to a couple of turnovers, while Taylor Garner played and slotted a nice set shot goal in windy conditions.

Robbie Tarrant (calf) did not take part in the match practice but was running a decent pace, while Ziebell completed strides and ball work, with Jasper Pittard and Sam Durdin other players to remain with the rehab group.

Paul Ahern did not play in the match practice, but it is understood he was being managed after a heavy training program over the last week, while Ben Jacobs was also managed after training on Monday and Wednesday.