From Ballarat Courier
Reported by David Brehaut
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NORTH Melbourne young gun Tom Curran moves closer to his first AFL appearance with his VFL senior debut for North Ballarat tomorrow.
Curran lines up against Box Hill Hawks at Box Hill.
He has been on the Kangaroos’ long-term injury list.
Curran was North Melbourne’s second selection with pick 40 in last year’s national draft.
However, a pre-season foot injury put pay to the son of Hawthorn and Brisbane player Peter Curran making an early impact.
He steps into the senior line-up after three games for North Ballarat in AFL Victoria D-league.
Curran is one of three changes to the Roosters’ combination which overcame Coburg Tigers in a desperately needed win.
North Melbourne has dropped Liam Anthony back to the VFL for the first time this season.
Anthony has paid the price for a shock loss by the Kangaroos to the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Coach Brad Scott warned there would be changes, but Anthony was the only player omitted.
A new 23rd player is the only other change for North Ballarat, with Tim Mackenzie replacing North Ballarat Rebels teammate Tony Lockyer.
Lockyer had just the one game with the Roosters, but is required for Vic Country squad trial match duties this weekend.
Mackenzie, 18, is from Minyip-Murtoa.
Chris Giampaolo and Ben Evans are the other unlucky pair to miss for North Ballarat.
• NICK Peters will get his first match time since round one in the D-league.
Peters has finally been given the all clear to return from a quadricep strain.
He has been close to coming back on a few occasions and will play 65 per cent of the match.
Oliver Tate (hips) and Jason Linke (ankle) will also continue their return with a second appearance in the Roosters’ D-league team.
They will play alongside two 19-year-olds from the Rebels’ list, Jake Lloyd and Will Pomorin.
Lloyd has had a senior game with the Roosters, as 23rd player, but this will be Pomorin’s first appearance with them.
• NORTH Ballarat’s four VFL representative squad members will need to get medical ticks of approval on Monday to remain in contention for selection for the Big V.
All squad members will reiqure the same medical clearance
Myles Sewell, Bill Driscoll, Liam Hoy and Dean Towers are chasing a berth in the team to play Tasmania in Hobart next Saturday.
The squad will train at Visy Park on Tuesday and Thursday.
