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North Melbourne midfielder Jamie Macmillan has hinted the expected changes due for Saturday night's elimination final may not be a formality, after the performance of his teammates in the final round.

Macmillan, one of five inclusions for round 23, will learn tomorrow at the team's main training session whether he will keep his place for the clash with Essendon.

The 22-year-old played his first senior match since round three after breaking his fibula.

However he could be forced to make way with teammates Todd Goldstein, Levi Greenwood, Luke McDonald, Lindsay Thomas and Michael Firrito left on ice for the clash with Melbourne.

"It'll certainly be interesting tomorrow," he told Sportsday radio.

"(They) probably seemed like obvious replacements last week and all of a sudden guys take their opportunities, and some perhaps haven't, and (then) these changes happen.

"Brad (Scott) sort of said we were in a fortunate enough position we were able to sort of manage a few players going into the weekend.

"Brad said here's your opportunity now its your to take. Now that bits done and we'll see what happens this week."

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Lachie Hansen looks set to miss after being subbed out with his persistent hip injury against the Demons, while Nathan Grima (corked quad) and Leigh Adams (concussion) will race the clock to be fit.

A combined 10 goals from debutant Mason Wood, school student Kayne Turner and eighth gamer Ben Brown did no harms to their chances of selection.

Macmillan said the side that lost to West Coast in an elimination final in 2012 were hungry to redeemed themselves.

19 players from that game are available for selection – only Brent Harvey (suspended), Robbie Tarrant (injured) and Matt Campbell (delisted) are definites to miss.

"I know the current group of guys we have now, our last final was in 2012 against West Coast, and we got done by 96 points. On the same token (as Essendon), we've also got a bit of a point to prove," he said.