With multiple key position players of its own flourishing at VFL level, Brad Scott and the match committee are spoiled for choice when deciding whether to make changes but will be considering forecast rain in Perth along the way.
Todd Goldstein
Dropped after struggling to recapture his 2011 form, Goldstein responded with 64 hitouts against Casey Scorpions. West Coast's ruck duo of Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui is arguably the best in the league and Brad Scott will have visions of Round 1, 2011 when planning for Sunday. That day, North went into the game without a specialist ruckman and was on the receiving end of a Dean Cox masterclass.
Taking that into account, Goldstein's superb performance in the VFL was the response North was looking for.
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Cameron Delaney
Delaney's performances since his AFL debut against GWS in Round 2 have shown he is ready to carry out a role if called upon once again. North Ballarat's best defender on Sunday, Delaney had 17 possessions and eight marks. With his ability to cover the ground, he could be brought in to play on one of West Coast's more mobile key forwards.
Cam Pedersen
Good memories of Pedersen's debut last season at Patersons Stadium in Round 1 could make him a candidate for a recall to the senior side. In that game, Pedersen battled manfully as a undersized ruckman to pick up 20 touches and 14 hitouts. After 23 disposals for Werribee on Sunday, he is clearly coming into form.
Nathan Grima
Despite his comeback from a knee injury taking longer than expected, Grima has now strung together two solid matches in a row for Werribee and appears to be close to 100 percent fit. Development coach John Lamont described his match against Williamstown as ‘steady’, and a calming influence could be just the tonic the North defence needs after an uneven performance against Gold Coast.
Cruize Garlett
With 11 handball receives for the Roosters, Garlett provided nice link-up play and possibly will fit in nicely to the handball-focused game plan.
Scott McMahon
Illness kept the reliable defender out of the side that played Gold Coast but the number 42 should be straight back in this week.
Cam Richardson
Another consistent run with Roosters and another 20-plus possession tally would have Richardson in discussions at the match committee table. A good runner and link-up man, Richardson would be well suited to the wide open spaces in Perth.
Ben Warren
A career-best start to the year in the VFL with 20 goals has Warren knocking down the door of a senior recall.
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Lachlan Hansen: Playing forward for Werribee, Hansen kicked three goals. His versatility could be considered by the match committee.
Matt Campbell: His first game in the VFL for 2012 resulted in 20 touches while spending the majority of his time in the middle. An extra midfield rotation is always a possibility when playing at a ground the size of Patersons Stadium.
Brad McKenzie: Already close to a debut, his exquisite kicking skills may be considered with a need to break the lines. 93 percent efficiency for North Ballarat on Sunday in tough conditions should prove he is able to handle the unique set of challenges in Perth.
Ben McKinley: 17 possessions and goal has the former Eagle in line for a recall. Playing in familiar territory might also add to his cause.
