Another big challenge awaits North Melbourne this weekend, as it travels to Blundstone Arena to face Greater Western Sydney.

With at least one change already guaranteed for Saturday’s clash, there is a possibility of Shinboner #1000 being named to debut.

Defenders

Scott Thompson’s Tribunal-enforced absence opens up a position for a tall defender. The two most likely names to battle for the spot are Sam Durdin and Ed Vickers-Willis.

Durdin was impressive in two pre-season outings against Sydney and Hawthorn, and is coming off another strong game on the weekend.

Although Vickers-Willis stands at 190 centimetres, he is more than capable of playing on one of the opposition’s talls if required. He was a fixture in all three pre-season clashes and has continued his good form with Werribee in recent weeks.

Midfielders

Todd Goldstein is likely to make his return after being a late withdrawal against Geelong last weekend.

There could be a couple of different faces for Goldstein to palm the ball to, with both Jed Anderson and Corey Wagner putting together some good games at VFL level.

Anderson has played well in each of his three matches for Werribee as an inside midfielder, while Wagner, alternating between a wing and half-forward, gained praise from the coaching staff for his game.

Ryan Clarke also won’t be too far off selection. A game day emergency in Round 1, the 19-year-old found touch for Werribee at Arden Street on Sunday.

Omitted after the opening game, Mitch Hibberd will be eyeing another opportunity at AFL level.

Forwards

Ben McKay and Nick Larkey formed an imposing tag team in Werribee’s forward 50 over the weekend, the duo combining both in the air and at ground level.

Larkey has kicked seven goals in the last fortnight, while McKay continues to make significant strides in his second year at North.