To rest or not to rest? That is the question.
Brad Scott and the match committee will need to decide whether it’s worth freshening up some players or opt against flirting with form going into September.
That decision may be made a little easier by those pushing for call-ups.
“Probably the flipside of resting is who’s coming back. It’s as much looking at who might come in, as who might go out,” Scott said recently.
“There’s still pressure on for spots. There are players out there fighting for their football lives.”
Having used 35 players this season, North is still trying to find its best side. With finals now guaranteed, there’s only one more week to find out what works best.
NMFC.com.au has a look at those in the mix for selection.
#1: Daniel Currie
The reason: North’s second ruckman, Currie is dependable and has shown he’s more than capable of playing against the best. This could be the week to test him one-out if Goldstein needs a break.
The challenge: There’s no obvious reason to play two rucks against Melbourne, so Currie’s only chance of playing will depend on Goldstein’s availability.
#4: Liam Anthony
The reason: The midfielder has improved his defensive game immensely and has been limited for opportunities due to North’s depth.
Should an outside midfielder be rested, he is a proven ball-winner.
The challenge: Anthony had a quiet game at the wrong time, finishing with 19 disposals against Port Melbourne. He also copped a knock to the eye, limiting his game-time.
#6: Lachlan Hansen
The reason: Hansen is a lock in defence when fit and North will be desperate to give him game-time before finals.
The challenge: He has now had three games on the sidelines with a hip injury. If he’s not 100 per cent, he won’t be risked with so much at stake the following week.
#8: Daniel Wells
The reason: With just one AFL game under his belt since Round 5, Wells is a certainty to come back and get some vital run in his legs.
The challenge: Only an injury at training would keep the dynamic midfielder out.
#14: Trent Dumont
The reason: Dumont has been awaiting his opportunity all year and boasts several best-on-ground performances at VFL level in recent weeks.
While it could only be a one week stint, this looks the perfect week to see how he performs it at AFL level.
The challenge: If North opts for minimal change, it’s hard to see Dumont coming in. The likes of Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow and Jack Ziebell have all been in fine form, while Kayne Turner did his job in attack.
#32: Mason Wood
The reason: Like Dumont, only the good form of those in a similar position has kept Wood from making his debut.
It’s been a long wait, but should North opt to rest players, the versatile forward is one of the first in line.
The challenge: The conditions were against Wood in Frankston and he didn’t have the chance to excel.
His chances again depend on the Kangaroos’ approach at selection.
#34: Jamie Macmillan
The reason: Scott spoke highly of the defender in his post-match press conference and if he’s going to play in September, he needs game-time now.
The challenge: With just two games in the VFL, Macmillan will need to prove he’s ready for the demands at the highest level.
#42: Scott McMahon
The reason: A clear best-on-ground effort for Werribee on Sunday, McMahon continues to press his case.
The challenge: The trio of Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson and Michael Firrito was terrific against Adelaide.
With Hansen already earmarked for a return, McMahon will likely be relying on one of the others being rested.
In The Mix: Round 23
To rest or not to rest? That is the question for Brad Scott and his match committee this week.