Coming off a 131-point win against Brisbane, Hawthorn is set to regain Luke Hodge, Josh Gibson and Brad Sewell for Friday night’s clash. But North has vowed to embrace the challenge.
“We know what we are going to get in terms of the opposition. It’s a great opportunity for us to play a really high quality side,” Scott told NMFC.com.au.
“We are looking to still work on some things we’ve been doing in the pre-season, but get a really content and get us really well prepared for Round 1.”
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Scott doesn’t buy into the argument teams need an early win to build confidence.
“I’d much rather have it that way (a strong opponent) than play a really understrength side.
“A really good side with pretty close to their best team is a great opportunity for us. We’re going to have play really well to make it a contest, but it’s one we’re looking forward to.”
North will take the opportunity to rest several players, opening the door for some key returns.
“We’ll still work on some things that we want to get right structurally, but we also want to get some game-time into a lot of guys.
“It’s going to be good to get Cameron Delaney, Aaron Mullett, Taylor Garner and Majak Daw into the side.”
Daw returns from a long bout on the sidelines following knee surgery.
“Before Christmas I hadn’t expected to see him before the first month,” Scott admitted.
“He’s fit and ready to play so we are going to take the opportunity to get some game-time into him, and really work on our flexibility up forward.
“Daniel Currie’s been really good at training and did some nice things last week, so it certainly gives us some options with that forward-ruck position.”
Draftee Trent Dumont is also likely to be given a chance after impressing the coach.
“He’s matured beyond his years in the way he approaches his training.
“He’s made some significant inroads in his endurance. He’s a very good endurance runner now.
“He’s impressed and gets his deserved opportunity.”
