Leigh Harding will have to be replaced in the side after what’s likely to be a season ending hamstring injury. The speedy Harding sustained the blow while taking a diving mark early in Friday night’s match against Carlton.
The retirement of veteran Adam Simpson has left a massive void in more ways than one with his experience, knowledge and ability to find the ball a great loss for the Kangaroos.
All eyes will be on young stopper Levi Greenwood who received a nasty knock to the knee while negating the output of Chris Judd. The young defender limited the Brownlow medal winner to just a handful of possessions in the first half before being hampered by the leg injury. Greenwood is confident of playing with a nine day break helping his chances but the final call will rest with medical staff.
There will be tough competition at training this week as a raft of running players try to force their way into the team.
While Werribee had the bye on the weekend, North Ballarat aligned players relished the chance to impress. Cruize Garlett was the standout of the Rooster's midfielders in the last gasp win over Williamstown on Saturday. He had 22 possessions and six clearances.
Another waiting in the wings is Ed Lower. Although he hasn't played since Round 8, the former North Melbourne rookie has been in tremendous form at VFL level. 19 possessions and six marks for North Ballarat will go a long way towards a recall.
Shannon Watt has been out of favour so far this season, but the 28 year-old was back to his best on the weekend and can't be ignored. The 154 game veteran had 21 possessions and was one of the Roosters better players in their win.
Up forward Aaron Edwards, Josh Smith and David Hale are all likely to be considered after causing plenty of problems for the Seagulls defence on Saturday.
Edwards booted four goals and took nine marks, while Smith was awarded best on ground honours for a great all-round performance in the ruck and up forward. Hale showed plenty of good signs after being omitted from the Kangaroos team. Working in tandem with Smith in the ruck, he grabbed 20 possessions and nine marks.
Despite their good form, it will be tough to break in to a North Melbourne forward line already boasting plenty of height and goal kicking ability. Accuracy could be the one advantage.
The week off won't stop the Tigers brigade from being in contention. Leigh Adams and Daniel Harris were both in the best when Werribee last played. Adams racked up 22 possessions, while Harris kicked three goals and laid seven tackles in an encouraging performance. Matt Riggio could be an outside chance after netting 42 possessions for Werribee's reserves in a dominant performance.
