DANIEL Currie's elevation to sole senior ruckman for Saturday's NAB Cup clash with Geelong is not designed as a wake-up call to Todd Goldstein, North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says.

Goldstein, the Kangaroos' No.1 ruckman for the past two seasons, will play in the curtain-raiser for VFL team North Ballarat, giving Currie his chance to impress after two strong displays in the pre-season competition so far.

Although saying it was yet to be decided who would fill the role in round one, Scott was adamant Goldstein was not on the outer.

"'Goldy' has been a terrific player for us for a long period of time," Scott said before training on Friday.

"We see him as an All Australian standard ruckman.

"We know what he can do.

"He's got terrific endurance for a ruckman. He's rucked one-out for a long time, so we know he can do that."

The Roos coach said he had not categorically ruled out playing two ruckmen in the season opener, but admitted it was becoming increasingly difficult to do so in the sub rule era.

"There aren't too many sides that do it anymore," Scott said.

"It's been a bit of a slow burn for most clubs, but I think most are realising that unless you've got a very, very flexible ruckman who can play significant time forward or has got the athletic ability of Nic Naitanui, it's becoming harder and harder.

"Especially with a cap of 80 this week, it does make it very difficult to play two."

North Melbourne, undefeated in the NAB Cup but with an inferior percentage to the three other unbeaten teams, can stake a claim for a place in the pre-season decider with a win over the Cats.

But it is likely they will also need Adelaide to defeat Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

Midfielder Leigh Adams returns to the team for his first hit-out of the season, after recovering from surgery on both shoulders.

He trained in sunglasses earlier this week after having minor eye surgery on Monday, but Scott guaranteed the shades would not be required at Skilled Stadium.

"There's no way 'Patch' would run out there in sunnies," he joked.

"He is desperate to get out there and play, but he could've trained without them, but we all wanted to laugh at him, which we did.

"He's a really important part of our side and we're rapt to have him back."

Key position player Robbie Tarrant will be rested this week after losing 5kg in the Townsville heat against Gold Coast last weekend.

Nathan Grima, who is yet to play this pre-season having battled a back injury, will again miss, with Scott saying the defender was a slight chance to appear in the VFL.

"It's the day before the game, and we're giving him every opportunity to get up to play," Scott said.

"If he surprises me out on the track today, he'll play.

"But based on what I saw Wednesday, we want to get another solid block of training into him."

Currie was picked up by North Melbourne with pick 56 in last year's national draft, having previously spent five seasons with the Sydney Swans from 2007 to 2011.

Speaking alongside his coach, the 24-year-old said he was excited by the opportunity to press his senior claims.

"Not too many players get a second opportunity, so I'm very grateful for it," Currie said.

"I feel like I've put my head down and worked pretty hard since I've been here, so hopefully I can grab this second chance."