Open training – Thursday at Arden Street, 11.30am-12.30pm approx. Autographs, sausage sizzle and merchandise available.

With the successful challenge of Brent Harvey’s rough conduct charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday, North Melbourne’s team will be significantly more settled this week.

Both the forward and midfield groups look likely to have little change, but it’s the defensive unit which may be bolstered for the trip to ANZ Stadium.

Sydney’s powerful forward front six contains Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and Sam Reid, to go with the army of smaller forwards at ground level. In North’s semi-final, Tom Hawkins was able to find too much space in Geelong’s forward 50.

Once that is taken into account and combined with the fact North was playing with six defenders for the entire night, there may be a move to bring in an extra backman.

NMFC.com.au looks at those in the mix for a call-up.

Have your say on the potential changes below. 

Lachlan Hansen
If Hansen is fit, he would be the number one priority to bring back into the side. He would have been extremely valuable last week against Geelong to float in front of Hawkins, and his absence was keenly felt late in the last term as the Cats made their charge.

The defender averages more than two intercept marks and five intercept possessions per game and would be crucial in disrupting Sydney’s ball movement entering its forward 50.

Joel Tippett
Tippett hasn’t played at AFL level since suffering an injury against Geelong in Round 10, but was solid at VFL level before North Ballarat’s season ended in an Elimination Final.

While he appeared to be an after-thought for September, Brad Scott raised the possibility of the left-footer being every chance to make the trip to Sydney recently.

“Joel Tippett is someone who's probably been forgotten about a little bit,” Scott told SEN last weekend.

"He's in the mix. We've made sure we've got enough training into him.”

Ben Jacobs
If Jamie Macmillan fails to recover from the hamstring tightness which forced him from the field against Geelong, Jacobs would likely be the first in line for a like-for-like swap.

Omitted from the semi-final side after playing the previous 10 games, Jacobs would also add the possibility of an extra midfield rotation - something which is always valuable against Sydney.

In Round 4, Jacobs played as the substitute in North’s victory at the SCG.

Aaron Mullett
Mullett is another in the frame to replace Macmillan. Although he hasn’t reached the same heights as his 2013 season, his ability to use the ball well coming out of the defensive half would be useful against a quality defensive outfit.

However, Macmillan has been playing a largely defensive role, as has Jacobs in his recent stint off half-back. 

Mullett’s assets are mostly on the attacking side, so if the coaching staff are looking for a switch of similar players, he may not be the preferred option.

Leigh Adams
While Adams’ role is at the other end of the ground to those listed above, he is a valuable member of the North side when firing.

The issue with the number 13 is whether he’s recovered from a concussion suffered in Round 23 against Melbourne. Symptoms from the knock have kept Adams out of the two finals and have his availability in question for Friday night.