Robbie Tarrant has passed his fitness test and has been named in North Melbourne’s preliminary final side to take on West Coast.

The defender was a very late withdrawal against Sydney with groin soreness, snapping his run of consecutive matches at 21.

With the likes of Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling strong aerially for the Eagles, Tarrant’s inclusion is a welcome one.

Although it was Scott Thompson who played on Kennedy when the sides met earlier in the season, Tarrant’s excellent form since then could force a re-think.

Luke McDonald is the unlucky player to make way despite a solid effort against the Swans, which included his first career goal.

Kayne Turner has kept his spot after being included late for the semi-final. He played a defensive forward role on Rhyce Shaw, limiting the retiring Swan to just 11 disposals.

McDonald, Ryan Bastinac and Robbie Nahas are the three emergencies.

Team v West Coast

B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley
HB: Lachlan Hansen, Jamie Macmillan, Sam Gibson
C: Sam Wright, Jack Ziebell, Ben Jacobs
HF: Shaun Higgins, Drew Petrie, Nick Dal Santo
F: Kayne Turner, Jarrad Waite, Brent Harvey
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Ben Cunnington
Int: Ben Brown, Lindsay Thomas, Taylor Garner, Robbie Tarrant
Emer: Ryan Bastinac, Luke McDonald, Robbie Nahas

In: Robbie Tarrant
Out: Luke McDonald (omitted)

Milestone – Nick Dal Santo, 300 games

Meanwhile West Coast has made two changes, with Matt Priddis and Chris Masten coming in for Scott Selwood and Patrick McGinnity.

Team v North Melbourne

B: Shannon Hurn, Will Schofield, Sharrod Wellingham
HB: Elliot Yeo, Jeremy McGovern, Brad Sheppard
C: Jamie Cripps, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Dom Sheed, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras
F: Josh Hill, Josh J. Kennedy, Callum Sinclair
Fol: Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff
Int: Sam Butler, Xavier Ellis, Mark Hutchings, Chris Masten
Emg: Patrick McGinnity, Scott Selwood, Scott Lycett

In: Matt Priddis, Chris Masten
Out: Scott Selwood, Patrick McGinnity (both omitted)