North Melbourne returns to Marvel Stadium on Saturday for an intriguing clash with Richmond.
It follows a big week for the Kangaroos, who were boosted by star Cam Zurhaar's re-signing on Monday, and will be celebrating co-captain Luke McDonald's 200th game.
>> Share your message for LMac ahead of his 200th game
The Roos were outclassed by a stronger Geelong outfit last weekend, and will be hoping to bounce back against a youthful Tigers side.
Round 21, North Melbourne v Richmond
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
When: Saturday, August 3 at 1.45pm AEST
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
The opposition
Like the Roos, Richmond hold a 2-17 record heading into Round 21. The Tigers sit 18th on the ladder due to their lower percentage, with four games remaining in the home and away season.
They struggled to challenge the Magpies last week at the MCG, going down by 26 points as Nick and Josh Daicos had their way with 42 and 32 disposals respectively.
Tigers youngster Tom Brown was a shining light, kicking three goals, while senior player Nathan Broad put in a strong shift with 27 touches and 15 marks.
On the injury front, Richmond could regain the valuable services of Dustin Martin, Tim Taranto, Toby Nankervis and Jack Graham for Saturday's fixture.
What the coaches have said
North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Geelong: "There's a lot of things we liked about our game. We won the ball well, we competed really well in and around the contest but we probably overused the ball by hand and that invited the pressure ... which caused us to turn the footy over."
Richmond senior coach Adem Yze, post-game v Collingwood: "To the boys' credit, I thought we played out the game (after half-time), but we just can't give a team that's fighting for a finals spot that sort of spirit and energy early, so we're really disappointed."
In the mix
Replacements will be required for the Roos, after Clarkson confirmed George Wardlaw will miss Saturday's game due to delayed concussion symptoms.
Charlie Comben (groin) and Aidan Corr (ankle) will also be assessed on Friday, Clarkson said.
Speedster Colby McKercher (soreness) is expected to be fit to play, although Zac Fisher will remain sidelined with his foot injury.
Toby Pink, Wil Dawson and Kallan Dawson are all potential replacements, as is Finnbar Maley, who tallied 24 disposals, eight clearances, eight tackles and 22 hitouts against the Cats in the VFL last Saturday.
Hugh Greenwood could win a recall, having been North Melbourne's best in the Reserves' latest clash.
In-form Roo
Harry Sheezel
Despite the loss to Geelong, Sheezel still earned eight coaches' votes from Alastair Clarkson and Chris Scott for his exceptional performance at Blundstone Arena.
The emerging star gathered 36 disposals, nine clearances and five tackles, became the first teenager to collect 25 contested possessions, and contributed to 14 scores out of a possible 16.
By Champion Data's measures, it was the highest-rated game of the 19-year-old's 42-game career.
