North Melbourne youngster Robert Hansen Jr staking claim for AFL selection

Jackson Clark Published July 17, 2024 at 2.00pm (AWST)

sport

Robert Hansen Jr at North Melbourne's training. (Image: NMFC Media)

North Melbourne forward Robert Hansen Jr could be in-line to play his first AFL game of 2024 after another strong showing in the VFL on the weekend.

The Wongi man was one of the best players on the ground in the Kangaroos' thrilling five-point win over Sydney on Saturday morning.

North Melbourne 13.6 (84) defeated the Swans 12.7 (79) at Tramway Oval in Sydney with Hansen Jr wreaking havoc in the Kangaroos' forward-line.

He was the second-highest rated player on the ground according to North coach Tom Lynch and Sydney coach Damian Truslove, receiving five coaches votes for his performance.

The silky-skilled small forward finished with 16 disposals (including 13 kicks) and two goals, while applying plenty of defensive pressure in the Kangaroos' attacking half.

Hansen Jr has put forward a strong case to AFL selectors after producing great form across his past five games.

After a slow start to the season, the 20-year-old has booted 10 goals since Round 11, including an 18-disposal four-goal performance against the Casey Demons in Round 13.

The Kalgoorlie product has played two AFL games since being selected with the second pick in the 2023 AFL Mid-Season Draft.

Robert Hansen Jr has been in strong form at VFL level. (Image: Facebook/North Melbourne)

Carlton small forward Jesse Motlop is another who has staked his claim for senior selection after another strong performance in the VFL.

Motlop was named as an emergency for the Blues' clash against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night but took his place for the club's VFL team in a nine-point loss the following day.

The Larrakia man had 13 disposals and kicked a goal, but impressively laid nine tackles and displayed plenty of pressure on the opposition ball carriers.

The 20-year-old has been banging down the door for AFL selection having kicked nine goals from his past four VFL games after struggling with injury earlier in the season.

Geelong midfielder Brandan Parfitt produced his best VFL performance of the season, gathering a game-high 36 disposals and nine clearances in the Cats reserves' 29-point win over Collingwood.

Parfitt has been out of favour with Geelong selectors in recent months after playing eight games at AFL level in 2024.

On Sunday, Jayden Davey kicked an equal career-best three goals in Essendon's 22-point loss to Casey Demons.

The speedy small forward has now hit the scoreboard in each of his past five matches has he presses for an AFL debut.