NORTH Melbourne key forward Ben Brown appears likely to be passed fit for the Kangaroos' round one clash with West Coast after performing strongly in a VFL practice match. 

A knee injury had sidelined Brown for the entire JLT Community Series, but the 24-year-old moved freely during a three-goal effort for Werribee against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday.

With his left knee strapped for his first hit-out of the season, Brown was in the thick of the action from the outset, slotting two of Werribee's four goals in the first term while playing out of the goalsquare. 

The 55-gamer, who last year won North's goalkicking award with a career-best 41 majors, capped his day with a third goal in the final term.

Brown combined well in attack with fellow big man Majak Daw, who hauled in some big contested marks, kicked two first-half goals and copped a poke in the eye for his trouble as a talent-laden Werribee triumphed 15.10 (100) to 3.4 (22). 

Sandringham managed just two behinds to three-quarter time but the lopsided scoreline was no surprise given that the home side didn't have the services of any St Kilda-listed players while Werribee boasted 15 Kangaroos.

Among them were experienced campaigners Scott Thompson, Lachie Hansen and Sam Wright, each of whom missed JLT fixtures with injury, while Jed Anderson (shoulder), Taylor Garner (hips) and Aaron Mullett (chest infection) had their first full-scale runs.

Meanwhile, Braydon Preuss, Sam Durdin, Mitchell Hibberd and Declan Mountford headlined a crew of youngsters desperate to earn senior exposure.

Aggressive ruckman Preuss was particularly impressive in the third term when his tap work ensured his team had a decided advantage.