A number of North Melbourne players are on standby for Saturday's game against Richmond, with several players' availabilities subject to tests.

Key position Roos Aidan Corr and Charlie Comben suffered an ankle sprain and a groin tweak, respectively, and have been on modified programs since.

Should one or both not come up, a reshuffle may be in order.

Toby Pink put his hand up for a senior recall, having last played in Round 18 against Sydney, with two goals against Geelong’s reserves outfit.

First-year tall Wil Dawson is now three games back from surgery to repair an AC joint, and has been competitive on the ground and in the air.

Both can play at either end of the ground if Comben is ruled out, while Kallan Dawson could be recalled as a stopper if Corr doesn't pass fit.

Finnbar Maley further pitched his case as a potential ruck partner for Tristan Xerri, with 24 disposals, eight clearances, eight tackles and 22 hitouts against the Cats.

Reinforcements may be on the way at ground level, with speedsters Colby McKercher (soreness) and Zac Fisher (foot) among those to test.

McKercher has averaged 24.5 disposals this season, leaving out the Round 5 game in which he was subbed out early, so the coaches will hope to regain his ball-winning, pace and creativity.

Fisher returned via the reserves following a foot sprain earlier in the season, but has similarly set the tempo from half-back, so could win a swifter recall.

Experienced utility Hugh Greenwood was best on ground for the reserves on Saturday, with 30 disposals, 11 clearances, nine tackles and a goal.

Mid-season rookie recruit Geordie Payne also put in a promising shift, with 16 disposals and 10 tackles in the wet.