While there has been the long trip back from Perth to take under consideration while preparing for Collingwood, North Melbourne also has an eight-day break, a luxury most sides don’t get when returning from interstate.
With the availability of Andrew Swallow and Ben Brown uncertain due to thumb and knee injuries respectively, it looms as a tricky week at the selection table.
Have your say on any potential changes in the comments section below.
Forwards
Both Majak Daw and Daniel Currie are in quality form for Werribee, kicking eight goals between them in the Tigers’ heavy victory over the weekend.
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Jarrad Waite was hindered by a slight foot issue against the Dockers and while he was able to finish the game, a long-term approach to his fitness might mean another free spot in the forward 50 at the MCG.
North has regularly used three talls three talls in its forward setup, but named just two (Waite and Drew Petrie) alongside the medium-sized Mason Wood against the Dockers.
Midfielders
A lot of the Kangaroos’ midfield structure will depend on whether the captain takes his place in the side.
Swallow’s injured thumb has been healing well after surgery, and his return would provide a boost to a midfield unit coming up against the likes of Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom.
Meanwhile, Aaron Mullett has now played two full games at VFL level for North Ballarat. His run and carry on the outside would provide the side with a feature that has been missing in the absence of Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells.
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Defenders
Scott McMahon has been in good form for Werribee over the past month, with another strong performance against Frankston on Sunday.
Michael Walters was able to get off the chain for Fremantle on Saturday night, kicking four goals to be one of the Dockers’ best. Considering the array of options Collingwood has to roam forward and prove threatening at ground level, the veteran could be in line for his first senior game of 2015.
