After three practice matches, it's now full steam ahead for North to Round 1. But where does the list stand about a week out from the season opener? NMFC.com.au looks at some of the issues around the team.

Before we get into the three points, we must point out they are 'issues' in a very good sense; it's better to have many selection and positional dilemmas than to have none at all.

1. Tall forwards

Issue: For much of the last two seasons, North's best football has come with three key position forwards. However, heading into Round 1 the spot of the third tall is very much up for grabs.

Robbie Tarrant's injury and Majak Daw's managed return from knee surgery left a chance for Daniel Currie but he was well held during the pre-season. Mason Wood arrived on the scene with an impressive outing at Simonds Stadium.

Potential solutions

- With Lindsay Thomas and Sam Wright spending time working as leading forwards during the pre-season, the match committee could be content with just the two key position players in the forward half.

- Daniel Currie's inclusion allows Todd Goldstein extra time to rest either on the bench or deep forward.

- Mason Wood enters the side for his debut, playing a 'third tall' role while also pushing higher up the ground.

2. Small defenders

Issue: After the tall trio of Scott Thompson, Lachlan Hansen and most likely Nathan Grima, the match committee is spoilt for choice on players to fill out the back six.

In theory, there are three more positions to fill, assuming the opposition starts the game with six forwards. Any of Shaun Atley, Michael Firrito, Luke McDonald, Jamie Macmillan, Aaron Mullett or Scott McMahon could realistically line up on Essendon's small and medium sized forwards.

Potential solutions

- Atley, Macmillan and Mullett spend more time in the midfield in either defensive (Macmillan) or attacking (Atley, Mullett) roles, leaving the remaining trio to focus on their direct opponents.

- There is minimal positional movement from 2013, leaving some unlucky Roos and also a focus on speed and pace in ball movement from the defensive half.

3. Midfield rotations

Issue: Throughout the pre-season, there has been plenty of word about playing the likes of Nick Dal Santo and Daniel Wells off either half-back or half-forward, allowing their elite disposal to influence the game and increasing the pool of runners through the middle of the ground.

It was exactly what we saw against Carlton, Hawthorn and Geelong. Dal Santo spent some time at half-back, Wells drifted forward to get on the scoreboard and there were passages of seriously impressive link-up play.

The matter is figuring out just how many people can run through the midfield and which midfielders are capable of playing back and/or forward.

Potential solutions

- With Atley marked for a possible increase in midfield time, Dal Santo, Wells or even Brent Harvey's time out of the midfield is more than ably snapped up by the number 18.

- A similar situation can occur for Mullett. His left foot being put to use through the middle and drifting forward can be a deadly weapon for North.

- If Macmillan is not playing as a defensive winger, his position in the back half allows another attacking midfield rotation.

The majority of successful sides have a very deep midfield rotation. With the possibility of North having up to 13 or 14 players in its Round 1 side (excluding ruckmen) who can play on-ball, there are multiple benefits.

Not only does it allow fresher players on the ball, resting midfielders down forward offers different avenues to goal while also allowing more interchange rotations.

Do you have any issues around the Round 1 team? Have your say in the comments below.

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