Yarrawonga product Zac Banch made his AFL debut for the North Melbourne Roos in round 19 of the 2025 AFL season over the weekend.
Yarrawonga product Zac Banch made his AFL debut for the North Melbourne Roos in round 19 of the 2025 AFL season over the weekend, coming off the bench in the second term after being named sub.
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After being selected with the second overall pick in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Banch was selected last week after a fantastic two months in the Roos VFL side after making his way over from fellow VFL outfit Werribee.
In his first AFL hitout against the rampaging Swans, Banch recorded two disposals, two marks, one kick and one handball.
The small forward joined Werribee at the start of last year and caught the attention of the AFL after he kicked 16 goals in 15 games, featuring in the Tigers’ 2024 VFL premiership win.
Before joining North Melbourne, 21-year-old Banch had booted eight goals in nine games in 2025, including back-to-back three-goal hauls in rounds four and five.
In round six this season Banch equalled the all-time VFL record for score assists with eight, in a best-on-ground performance against Frankston.
In a dream VFL debut for the Roos, Banch took little time to impose himself on the contest with 13 disposals and three tackles, recording consistent numbers before being called up to the big time.
In announcing Banch will debut, coach Alastair Clarkson said that the club had lost a soldier and decided to replace him like minded.
Banch in the warmup at the SCG last Saturday.
“You’ve worked hard, not just since you have been here but the last three or four years to get your chance to play AFL footy,” Clarkson said.
1977 premiership player Steven Icke presented Banch with his jumper pregame, giving him some advice leading into his first game and AFL career.
“One piece of advice I’d give you is to know your role, play your role and I’m sure if you do that at every opportunity, you’ll have a long and successful football career at this great football club,” Icke said.
