In The Mix: Round 13
Lindsay Thomas looks a certainty to return if he can get through training this week, but who will he replace?
So how will it affect the approach at the selection table?
Lindsay Thomas looks a certainty to return if he can get through training this week, but who will he replace?
The form of the Kangaroos at VFL level has also been pleasing, and Brad Scott will be delighted to have so many options at his disposal.
NMFC.com.au looks at those in the mix for selection. Have your say on the potential changes below.
#1: Daniel Currie
The reason: The ruckman hasn’t put a foot wrong at VFL level and has been named as an emergency consistently this season.
Majak Daw was substituted last week, and Currie looks a likely replacement as a third tall forward/ruck should Scott opt to change the structure.
The challenge: Todd Goldstein had arguably his best game of the season against the Tigers and is more than capable of running out the best part of an entire game, meaning Currie would need to spend most of his time forward.
The Kangaroos operated more efficiently in the second half with two key-forwards, and the match committee may opt for a similar setup this week.
#2: Brad McKenzie
The reason: The skillful left-footer had his game-time limited last week as the match-day emergency, meaning he’s clearly around the mark for a call-up.
On one of the narrower grounds in the competition, precision skills in tight will be vital. McKenzie has the tools to make an impact.
The challenge: In the VFL, McKenzie is still yet to really take a game by the scruff of a neck, while others around him like Ben Jacobs have become dominant at the level. It may put him a step back in the pecking order.
#5: Ben Jacobs
The reason: Unlucky not to get more opportunities previously, Jacobs continues to push his case. Another 39-disposal haul on the weekend against quality opposition (Box Hill) makes him hard to ignore.
The challenge: As an inside midfielder, the number 5 needs to push his name ahead of the likes of Swallow, Cunnington and Greenwood. A substitute role may be the more likely option.
#12: Lindsay Thomas
The reason: Thomas is one of the best small-forwards in the league.
The challenge: Getting through training is likely to be the only pre-requisite for the club’s leading goal-kicker. His presence around the fall of the packs and pressuring defenders was missed dearly last week, despite the emergence of Robin Nahas.
#25: Robbie Tarrant
The reason: Tarrant has been vital to North’s forward structure in recent years, with his tireless work-rate opening up opportunities for his team-mates.
The challenge: Preparation. Tarrant has just one game under his belt with barely 75 per cent game-time. The selectors may opt to give him at least another week to put his name up for selection.
#42: Scott McMahon
The reason: North’s back six has a huge task on its hands minus Joel Tippett and possibly Nathan Grima.
While Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson and Lachlan Hansen are all capable in key-posts, the inclusion of another seasoned defender could prove vital against the Crows' talls including James Podsiadly, Josh Jenkins and Taylor Walker.
The challenge: McMahon missed last week with a virus, so has little VFL form to read off.
#50: Ben Brown
The reason: A call-up for the 2013 draftee may seem unlikely, but his form for Werribee has been nothing short of impressive.
Standing at 200 centimetres, Brown’s ability at ground level gives him x-factor as a forward and backup ruckman.
The challenge: Tarrant and Currie are likely to be ahead of him, mainly due to experience. A 50,000 strong crowd at Adelaide Oval could make for a tough initiation for the big man.
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