It’s one of the biggest matches of North’s season on Friday, and there are plenty of selection dilemmas.
Playing an extra tall-forward, bolstering the midfield stocks, looking for more run from the defensive half – these are all options available to the Roos given the form of those not in the AFL side.
Forwards
After withdrawing late before the Giants match due to a concussion, Majak Daw is likely to be available for selection against the Bulldogs.
If the North match committee opts to play an extra tall on Friday, Daw appears to be in first in line. The 26-year-old has a bag of six goals to his name against the Bulldogs, kicked back in 2013.
Jy Simpkin was another player to miss the GWS clash due to a corked thigh, but looks a likely inclusion if passed fit.
At ground level, Cam Zurhaar continues to impress. Arguably the best of the Kangaroos at VFL level over the weekend, the first-year rookie has turned heads with his ability to apply pressure and also get on the scoreboard.
Defenders
Scott Thompson has served his one-match suspension and is looking to earn his place back in the North side.
The veteran took the dangerous Jake Stringer matchup the last time North faced the Bulldogs and excelled. Stringer was goalless, before Thompson was unable to finish the match due to injury.
Mitchell Hibberd returned to VFL level and impressed playing off half-back in terrible conditions at Casey Fields.
If North opts for another ball-winner in the defensive half, Hibberd will be in the mix for a recall.
Ed Vickers-Willis has been around the mark for several weeks as an emergency, and could be in the mix to become Shinboner #1001 in the coming weeks.
Midfielders
Jed Anderson has played a month of football in the VFL as an inside-midfielder, improving with each outing.
Following the loss to GWS, Brad Scott mentioned the Giants’ midfielders were better on the day. If a change is made to strengthen North’s stocks, Anderson’s form will hold him in good stead for his first AFL game of 2017.
Splitting his time between a wing and forward, Corey Wagner has now put together three quality games in a row for Werribee.
