NMFC.com.au details the outlook for the match committee with regard to player selection ahead of the club’s important Friday night clash with West Coast in Perth.
Have your say on any potential changes in the comments below.
Nathan Grima
Given the weekend off due to general soreness, Grima will be an automatic selection if passed fit this week. Grima’s inclusion doesn’t mean Lachie Hansen’s spot is in question, despite the number 6 coming into the side last week as a late replacement for Taylor Hine in the backline.
With the likes of Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy in the Eagles' forward line and players such as Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox able to float forward and hit the scoreboard, some extra height might be critical given Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito and Scott McMahon are all medium-sized defenders.
Grima shut down dangerous Power forward Justin Westhoff in Round 6 and would be a handy inclusion.
Taylor Hine
Quick and tenacious, Hine was close to being able to play against the Dogs but his ankle injury wasn’t quite right and he was pulled out at the last minute. Provided he gets through training, the former Gold Coast Sun will be raring to go and could play a pivotal role on one of the home team’s small forwards like Mark LeCras or Josh Hill.
Liam Anthony
A West Australian, Anthony would relish the opportunity to return home and play at Pattersons. A hard runner and accumulator, he had a quiet game (like many others) at the ground the last time the sides met in the 2012 Elimination Final. In that encounter, he had just 12 touches but it was the first time he’s had under 20 disposals at the ground since coming to North.
Levi Greenwood
His recent VFL form has been promising and Greenwood could be the man to come in for Andrew Swallow should the skipper be ruled out with a knee injury. Like Swallow, Greenwood knows how to win his own footy and loves putting his head over the ball. The midfielder is yet to play this year.
Brad McKenzie
Named as an emergency last week, McKenzie would enjoy the wide open spaces provided in Perth. The 19-year-old is yet to play in a North win after appearing in the royal blue and white on just two occasions so far in his career. If Aaron Mullett is unable to recover from his ankle injury, McKenzie may suit up once again.
Ben Jacobs
In his new role as an inside midfielder at VFL level, Jacobs has flourished and like Greenwood, he could also be considered as a backup for Swallow. The youngster has played at Patersons Stadium on two occasions with Port Adelaide; his last visit in Round 7 last year resulted in 19 possessions.
Luke Delaney
With Grima still under an injury cloud of sorts, Delaney could come into consideration. Strong in the one-on-one contests, Delaney’s height (194cm) would be useful against Kennedy and Darling.
Kieran Harper
After signing a new deal, Harper says he’s looking to repay the faith at Aegis Park and is slowing regaining his confidence. An emergency last week, his pace and ability to kick goals could be an asset against the Eagles.
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