A STRONG performance against Carlton on Saturday may pave the way for emerging ruckman Daniel Currie to make his long-awaited AFL debut.
Currie did not manage to break into North's lineup at all last season, despite a stellar year in the VFL, with a thumb injury and Brad Scott's one-ruckman policy keeping him out of the side.
But stand-in captain Drew Petrie was glowing about Currie's prospects for 2014, after a stand-out campaign during pre-season training.
Currie has been named alongside first-choice ruckman Todd Goldstein to take on the Blues in the club's NAB Challenge clash in Ballarat.
“[Currie] has been outstanding in the pre-season again and it was only a thumb injury at the middle of last season that kept him from making his debut last year," Petrie said on Friday.
"We'll look at the two ruckmen option in the NAB Challenge series. His ability to play as a forward is what Daniel's been able to show the coaching staff in the last three weeks, and that's what's put him in contention."
Petrie also confirmed star recruit Nick Dal Santo will line up for his first game for the Roos, while father-son pick Luke McDonald has been picked.
The acting skipper said Dal Santo had provided a great example for his new teammates through the summer.
"Absolutely Dal will be out there, wearing the No.15 for the Kangas. I'm very excited about that," he said.
"He's been very smooth in everything he's done around the place since he's joined us.
"His quality of training, his intensity out on the track and his direction he's been able to give everybody has been outstanding."
Petrie said he'll blink twice when running out alongside McDonald on Saturday, having known him since he was a youngster.
However, Petrie is confident the No.8 pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft is ready for senior football.
"His running ability has been really good," Petrie said.
"He's got a bit of mongrel in him which his old man had as well, so I expect to see Luke a fair bit during the NAB Challenge and hopefully he can crack a senior game this year."
