It would have been hard not to get caught up in the emotion of Saturday night’s win over Essendon, but very quickly the focus has switched to Geelong.

With that comes some all-important selection decisions.

Brent Harvey’s availability means there’s sure to be at least one change, but North will also be sweating on the fitness of Leigh Adams and Lachlan Hansen.

Tough choices will be made, and there’s sure to be some disappointed players when teams are named on Thursday night.

NMFC.com.au looks at those in the mix for a call-up.

Have your say on the potential changes below.

Lachlan Hansen
Vital to stopping the supply going into attack, Hansen is a certain starter when fit. Unfortunately, that’s his biggest issue.

“I think he’ll struggle to come up this week,” Brad Scott admitted on Saturday night.

“There’s no talk of putting him in for surgery or anything like that. We’re going to keep him going and keep him rehabbing and try to get him up each week.

“He is a really important to player to us and we’d love to get him into the side, but you can’t carry injured guys in finals. He’ll either get up or he won’t.”

The key-defender will be put to the test during the week as he aims to overcome a hip injury.

Leigh Adams
A head knock suffered against Melbourne in Round 23 kept Adams out of the side last week, but he’ll be looking to put his hand up again.

Strong bodies will be vital against a seasoned outfit like Geelong, and the rugged forward fits the bill.

North won’t be taking any risks though.  

“He should be (right to play). It’s unusual that he was still suffering the effects five days on from that concussion. It’s really too hard to tell at this point,” Scott said.

Brent Harvey
The veteran is a certainty to return after three weeks out due to suspension.

Harvey’s experience in finals will be welcomed, but he’s also still one of North’s most influential players.

In two outings this year against Geelong, the 36-year-old has averaged almost 27 disposals.

Mason Wood
While a call-up in a final for a one-game player may seem unlikely, Wood showed enough on debut against Melbourne to suggest he won’t be overwhelmed at the level.

The emergence of Ben Brown (9 games) and Kayne Turner (4 games) means the Kangaroos will hold no fear in naming another youngster.

The challenge for Wood – breaking into a front six that stood up when it mattered last week. Brown, Drew Petrie and Aaron Black were all strong performers late in the game.

comments powered by Disqus