EASTERN Ranges’ midfielder Thomas North’s 43-disposal game on Saturday has earned him AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Week. It is the Ranges’ second consecutive Player of the Week after ruck/forward Sam Hayes received the nod from our team last week.

On Saturday, North amassed a huge 43 disposals at 74.42 per cent efficiency, including 19 kicks and 24 handballs. North also took six marks, had 12 clearances, went inside 50 twice, rebounded four times and finished off with three goals. The balanced midfielder has been building as the season has gone on and his performance on the weekend was his clear best for the year.

It was a fascinating battle in the midfield with Bendigo counterpart Darby Henderson racking up 41 disposals through the middle and across half back, but it was North’s 12 clearances and three goals that gave him the nod over Henderson on this occasion. Prior to this round, North had averaged 23.6 disposals, six clearances, 4.8 marks and booted three goals. Now the Ranges’ number two will be keen to impress for Vic Metro after he was named in their training squad yesterday.

VIC METRO U18 training squad

AFL Draft Central’s TAC Cup Player of the Round:

Round One: Max King (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Two: Lachlan Fogarty (Western Jets)

Round Three: Will Stephenson (Gippsland Power)

Round Four: Aaron Trusler (Sandringham Dragons)

Round Five: Jordan Johnston (Greater Western Victoria Rebels)

Round Six: Sam Hayes (Eastern Ranges)

Round Seven: Thomas North (Eastern Ranges)