While North Melbourne will be keeping an eye on the fitness of key Magpie Luke Ball, it seems another midfield gun is ready to make a return for the Round 23 clash.

Dayne Beams has declared himself a certain starter for the match against the Roos at the MCG on Sunday after missing last Friday night’s game against the Eagles.

“I should be 100 per cent right to go,” Beams said.

“I trained Thursday, got through training but woke up Friday morning just a little bit stiff in the back.

“So close to the finals, we decided to miss this week, especially given my injury history this year.

“My workloads have gone up since I’ve been back playing but I’m not sure what caused it.”

Ball experienced calf tightness and was subbed out in the opening minutes of the third quarter.

Ball's front-on tackle on Jamie Cripps could also attract the attention of the Match Review Panel, although Cripps didn’t show any ill-effects from the high contact.