Brad Scott rested nine of his best players on Friday night, but the question is; do they all automatically come straight back in?
NMFC.com.au looks at the selection dilemma heading into the elimination final with up to ten changes on the cards.
Have your say on the potential changes below.
Midfielders
Ben Cunnington and Andrew Swallow will have benefited from a much needed rest and will be raring to go come Sunday.While their replacements Trent Dumont and Brad McKenzie battled hard against the Tigers, they’ll face an uphill battle to keep the reigning Syd Barker medallist and captain out of the side.
Jack Ziebell was taken from the ground under the concussion rule but appears to have recovered well enough while Daniel Wells is still under a fitness cloud after his latest setback.
Forwards
One would be crazy to suggest that Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins won’t slide right back in to the attacking half but identifying the players set to come out is complicated.While Majak Daw played predominately as a ruck, he also booted two goals and showed his worth against the Richmond defenders when he rested forward. Unfortunately for him, Todd Goldstein is primed to return.
Mason Wood was subbed out of the match while Aaron Black struggled to have a big impact. All while all eyes will be on the fitness of Kayne Turner after his nasty head knock.
Scott has been open about his desire to play Lindsay Thomas, but the small forward will have to overcome a foot complaint to prove his availability.
Defenders
North’s most consistent backman Michael Firrito will be critical if North is any chance of winning through to the semi-finals as will Scott Thompson, Sam Wright and Nick Dal Santo.Their likely inclusions will make it hard for the likes of Luke McDonald, Aaron Mullett and Joel Tippett to stay in the side despite solid performances.
North Melbourne will hold an open training session this Saturday (September 12, 2015) at Arden Street from 11.15am-12.00pm.
