Co-captain Jy Simpkin is likely to return to North Melbourne's line-up for Saturday's game against West Coast, having overcome a quad strain.
Simpkin last featured in Round 8 against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, but this week cleared markers set by the performance team for his return.
The Roos will hope to welcome back the two-time Syd Barker medallist not just for his on-field leadership but his running power, with Rising Star nominee Colby McKercher to miss again with bone stress.
Senior coach Alastair Clarkson could turn to recruit and ruck-forward Brynn Teakle in his search for support for All-Australian forward Nick Larkey.
Clarkson has swung Charlie Comben forward on occasion, but has also acknowledged he leaves behind a big gap, having averaged 3.8 intercept marks – the fourth most in the AFL - since he returned to the team in Round 4.
"(It was just) to try something, because we weren't getting the contest we desired in front of the ball," he told reporters after the Roos' Round 11 game against Port Adelaide.
Mid-season draftee Teakle played six games for the Power over 2022 and 2023, and earned state selection this season after a strong start for East Fremantle, so may come under consideration.
Hugh Greenwood has also been ruled fit for selection having overcome an Achilles flare-up, and could claim a spot as a forward and pinch-hitting ruck.
Onballer Will Phillips was the Roos' best when the reserves last played, with 26 disposals, eight tackles and six clearances against Werribee, while Charlie Lazzaro similarly put his hand up to play a hard-edged role in the rotation with an 11-tackle effort.
Kallan Dawson may return to the key defensive post he filled over the first month of the season, having collected 11 disposals, seven marks and five intercepts against the Tigers in his return from an ankle injury.
If Clarkson and the coaches are on the lookout for pace, young half-back Riley Hardeman notched up 22 disposals and 10 marks, and Dylan Stephens helped himself to 19 disposals and a goal.
