The North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos will take an unchanged line-up into Saturday's massive, must-win preliminary final at Ikon Park.

After a dramatic elimination final win over the Cats and a dispatching of the Tigers in last week's semi-final, a maiden AFLW Grand Final appearance now hangs in the balance for the Roos.

In order to secure their position in the season's pinnacle of contests, they will need to overcome a well-rested Melbourne outfit that trumped the Crows by 21 points in a qualifying final. 

09:52

'We've added a couple of layers to our ball movement': Crocker ahead of Demons

North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos senior coach Darren Crocker speaks to the media ahead of the preliminary final against Melbourne

The two sides met back in Round 2 at the MCG but the historic evening belonged to the Demons who managed a late go-ahead major to subsequently claim a two-point victory.

The match added to a trend that has emerged since the Roos entered the league, which is that no result between the clubs has been decided by more than 10 points.

However, it's been a while since North Melbourne has been able to knock the Demons off, but a confidence-filled Darren Crocker side is set to bring the heat as it looks to continue rising towards the Season 7 premiership.

05:17

Last time we met: Dees, Roos in thriller at the 'G

The Demons and Kangaroos clash in Round 2 of the 2022 NAB AFL Women's Competition

Irishwoman Erika O'Shea (eye) was officially ruled out by Crocker on Thursday, but the senior coach mentioned that there is a chance she'll get the tick from her specialist next week, should North make the Grand Final.

Forwards Zoe Savarirayan and Sophia McCarthy, along with experienced defender Danielle Hardiman, will all reprise their roles as emergencies.

Grace Campbell (knee), Perri King (finger) and Cassidy Mailer (bone stress - leg) were all unavailable for preliminary final selection.