Luke McDonald could be set for new midfield role after starring in North Melbourne intra-club

LUKE McDonald could be injected into North Melbourne’s midfield in 2018 after the defender starred in the role during the club’s intra club hitout, while Mason Wood suffered an injury scare.

Luke McDonald starred in a midfield role during North Melbourne’s intra club hitout. Picture: Getty

NORTH Melbourne looks set to inject small defender Luke McDonald into its midfield mix this season after a sparkling intra-club performance on Friday.

The hard nut has been one of North’s most reliable backmen but was a standout in the centre square with his courageous attack on the ball.

Tall utility Majak Daw also showed significant promise and athleticism in his new centre half back position, reaching above packs of players to spoil throughout the match.

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And No.4 draft pick Luke Davies-Uniacke continues to track towards a Round 1 debut after showing glimpses of his trademark cleanness and power through the middle.

McDonald finished the match on the bench after copping a high knock to the head along with exciting forward Mason Wood, who hurt his left thumb.

Wood, who has endured a horror injury run, required some ice but is expected to be fine.

Former Bomber Alex Morgan also limped off the ground late with a sore left quad.

North Melbourne players Mason Wood, Luke McDonald and Ben Brown modelling the club’s 2018 preseason guernsey. Picture: Michael Klein

McDonald’s move into the midfield division will give coach Brad Scott the extra coverage to swing key onball cogs Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington forward more regularly this year.

Cunnington fired in the second term kicking back-to-back goals from a pair of strong-bodied marks.

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Ziebell was also one of the Roos’ best despite post-season foot surgery which interrupted his preseason.

However, the Roos could give the two senior midfielders a rest on Friday night when the they take on Carlton and Melbourne in their AFLX opener at Etihad Stadium.

The Herald Sun can reveal the new jumpers North will wear in the AFLX tournament and the JLT preseason games against Melbourne at Richmond.

Mason Wood injured his thumb but should be fine. Picture: Getty

Teammate Nathan Hrovat said McDonald and silky second-year forward Jy Simpkin would give North’s midfield unit some extra weapons in 2018.

“Both of those guys give us a little bit of a different dynamic than, I guess, Cunnington and Ziebell and working together (it will be) a really formidable midfield group,” Hrovat said.

“So, I’m really excited about those guys and as you can see they’re playing some really good footy this time of the year.”

New recruit Billy Hartung was busy on the wing but was unable to use his pace or foot skills to move the ball forward as cleanly as he would like.

Billy Hartung used his pace but struggled with his ball use. Picture: Getty

Youngster Nick Larkey took a pair of strong marks in front of his face on the lead, while big man Ben McKay was also resolute in defence in an encouraging display.

Hrovat said the Roos were hopeful of challenging fort a finals berth this year, after six wins last season.

“There’s no ceilings. The last couple of years the Dogs (2016 premier) and Richmond (2017) have proved that,” he said.

“There is no team that can’t win it.

“Look at the form last year if we win a few of those close games we are up there in the mix. We definitely have our eyes on playing finals and we will be doing everything we can to get there.”

Gun midfielder Shaun Higgins and exciting forward Taylor Garner were rested on Friday.