Sydney small forward Ben McGlynn is set to miss Saturday night’s clash against North Melbourne.

McGlynn suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the team’s final training run last week, and missed the match against Gold Coast.

"We don’t expect he’ll be right this week," Sydney coach John Longmire said.

"He won’t be far away because it was only a very minor hamstring strain, so he probably would have been touch and go for this week, but we just thought to err on the side of caution and to make sure we make the most of the bye the week after.

"It’s just a bit too tight this week to push him, so he won’t be available."

McGlynn was an influential player when Sydney last played North in the Preliminary Final of 2014, finishing with 19 disposals and a goal.

Meanwhile, despite another big game from Craig Bird in the NEAFL, the onballer may have to bide his time a little longer at the level.

"Birdy has been playing well at the moment in our reserves, we just feel the balance of our side at the moment is working for us,” Longmire said.

"But that can always change. He’s doing what he needs to do so (why he’s out) is just a matter of other players making the most of their opportunities.

"We’re confident though if we need Birdy in any point in time, which I’m sure we will soon enough, that he’ll be able pick up that role that he’s been so good at for us."

Longmire said North was well covered in the absence of Brad Scott, with former teammate Darren Crocker in the coaches box.

"Darren Crocker’s a really, really experienced coach. I know him very well; he’s been at North Melbourne for a long time … he’s been in the chair before, so it looks like they’ve proceeded without any hiccups, which is what the really strong clubs do," he said.

"That’s what happens when you’ve got an experienced coaching panel.

"They’ve got Darren Crocker there … Leigh Tudor’s a very experienced coach; they’ve got plenty of experience in their coaching panel, so it doesn’t really impact the coaching panel like that when you’ve got that type of experience in the chair.”

Longmire was impressed by the Roos' win over West Coast in tough conditions at Blundstone Arena.

"Whilst it would have been difficult for Brad (Scott), they (the Kangaroos) didn’t miss a beat. They played really well against a team that was sitting second on the ladder.

"Their pressure was outstanding in difficult conditions and they found a way to win."