Brent Stanton says his team won't be dwelling on last year's elimination final as it prepares for the clash against North Melbourne.

But the midfielder admits a Bombers' victory on Friday night would go a long way towards redeeming themselves for the disappointing loss.

"I think it's in the back of most of the players' minds that we put on a good performance in the first half and fell away in the second half (in the Elimination Final), but it hasn't been spoken about in the team meeting," Stanton said on Thursday.

"(But) I certainly think that the players will be driving to resurrect that."

North overturned a 33-point deficit early in the third term when the teams last met, eventually winning by two goals to win through to a semi-final.

While the Roos are yet to replicate their 2014 form this season, their opposition is wary of what they can do.

"North Melbourne has been playing some good football at the moment," Stanton said.

"Hopefully we can match them with their run and spread, and their contested footy is good as well - that's why they (the Kangaroos) eventually got to a preliminary final.

"We're ready for the task in that contested footy, and taking the ball and hopefully trying to take the game on a bit more will help us."

Essendon is sweating on the fitness of several key players, with Paul Chapman, Brendon Goddard, Adam Cooney and David Zaharakis all training away from the main group at its final session.

"I don't think the team has really been finalised as yet, but I'm sure they're all right to go and hopefully we can get them all out there," Stanton added.

One player likely to return is Dustin Fletcher, who is set to line up for his 398th game.

North will again be without Daniel Wells (achilles), with the midfielder ruled out by Brad Scott on Wednesday.