An integral part of North’s backline, Lachlan Hansen could be set to play just his ninth game of the season against Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG.

The 26-year-old has battled a hip complaint which delayed his start to the season. He managed to play eight straight games between Rounds 6 and 14 before heading to the sidelines for more treatment and rehabilitation.

After two weeks in the VFL playing with Werribee, the versatile defender is in line to make his return after being named in North’s 25-man squad.

With Michael Firrito out due to suspension and Ryan Bastinac omitted, a minimum of two changes will be made when the final teams are submitted on Friday.

Among those in contention for selection are Robbie Nahas, Majak Daw, Aaron Mullett and upgraded rookie Max Warren.

Nahas booted seven goals in the VFL on Sunday and would be stiff to miss, while Mullett, Daw and Warren have all had displayed solid form for the Kangaroos’ affiliates.

North Melbourne squad

Backs S.Wright 19 R.Tarrant 25 L.Hansen 6
Half Backs N.Dal Santo 15 S.Thompson 16 B.Jacobs 5
Centreline S.Higgins 4 J.Ziebell 7 S.Atley 18
Half Forwards B.Harvey 29 D.Petrie 20 T.Garner 27
Forwards B.Brown 50 J.Waite 30 L.Thomas 12
Followers T.Goldstein 22 B.Cunnington 10 A.Swallow 9
Interchange From L.McDonald 21 R.Nahas 28 M.Daw 38 K.Turner 40 A.Mullett 41 S.Gibson 43 M.Warren 44

In: L.Hansen, R.Nahas, M.Daw, A.Mullett, M.Warren
Out: M.Firrito (Suspension), R.Bastinac (Omitted)

Melbourne squad

Backs Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Neville Jetta
Half Backs Daniel Cross, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe
Centreline Jack Grimes, Dom Tyson, Heritier Lumumba
Half Forwards Angus Brayshaw, Chris Dawes, Bernie Vince
Forwards Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jack Watts
Followers Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney
Interchange From Ben Newton, Viv Michie, Alex Neal-Bullen, Aaron Vandenberg, Mark Jamar, James Harmes, Matt Jones

In: Mark Jamar, Ben Newton, Matt Jones