Having been hit hard by injuries in Adelaide, North Melbourne will be required to make some changes ahead of its clash with Gold Coast.

Shoulder surgery for Jack Ziebell will see the captain miss the final game of the home and away season while Jed Anderson will also be out of action having entered AFL concussion protocols.

Jaidyn Stephenson, who sustained a back injury in Saturday’s match against the Crows, is unlikely to feature this week unless rapid improvement is seen.

The ageless Todd Goldstein will be assessed later in the week to see if he’s right to go after suffering a slight ankle injury amidst the carnage at Adelaide Oval.

North Melbourne has high hopes that Paul Curtis will be fit enough to feature in the season’s final game.

The young small-forward, who has impressed since making his debut in Round 6, suffered some discomfort after falling directly on his AC joint in Adelaide but has progressed well through the week.

Jason Horne-Francis responded efficiently in the VFL and is in the frame to make a comeback to the senior line-up after being omitted from the AFL side.

The South Australian racked up 29 disposals and nine clearances against Coburg during an afternoon that saw the Roos dominate around the contest.

The defensive duo of Flynn Perez and Aidan Bonar may be rewarded with recalls after both players performed solidly in the VFL as well.

It would be Perez’s first full AFL game since he was suspended in Round 19.

Versatile vice-captain Kayne Turner could also return after a stint in the reserves to add some experience in the absence of Ziebell.

Hugh Greenwood was the activated substitute last week and is a chance to return to the starting 22.

With Anderson a forced out, Greenwood as his replacement would see a like-for-like change.

Closing in on an AFL debut is Josh Goater who provides plenty of drive and run and carry through the wing and half-back area.

The Calder product’s explosiveness was on show again during the VFL last week, putting himself into consideration for a final round senior call-up.

In his third game back from knee surgery, Charlie Comben was a headache for Coburg defenders with his three-goal and six-mark performance.

With six goals in his last two games, along with several notable marks, the key forward has staked his claim for a late season appearance.

Talented midfielder Tarryn Thomas, who was another standout against Coburg, is also available after collecting a damaging 29 touches that included three goals.