Finding consistency is vital if North is going to trouble the best teams in the competition come September, and significant to that is choosing the right personnel.
The Kangaroos have a host of players performing at VFL level, and Brad Scott will have confidence knowing he’s got so many just waiting for an opportunity.
But given how impressive his team was in the second half against Richmond, before a disappointing outing against Adelaide, how will the North coach and his match committee react?
NMFC.com.au looks at those in the mix for selection.
Have your say on the potential changes below.
#2: Brad McKenzie
The reason: McKenzie has been on the emergency list over the past few weeks and is clearly considered one of the next in line for a call-up.
He was one of North Ballarat’s best on the weekend, and his precision kicking into attack could prove vital given Melbourne is one of the best sides at defending opposition inside 50’s.
The challenge: Scott may be reluctant to make wholesale changes to a team that was able to split the Tigers apart with relative ease only a fortnight ago.
#5: Ben Jacobs
The reason: Only weight of numbers through the midfield has cost Jacobs a regular spot given his terrific form in the VFL.
After the Kangaroos were beaten at the contest against the Crows, it may be time for a different approach.
The challenge: Jacobs hurt his ankle in the VFL on Saturday and faces a test to play at all on the weekend. Another week at North Ballarat might be the safer option if he’s not 100 per cent.
#14: Trent Dumont
The reason: Senior Development Coach Gavin Brown labelled Dumont’s 32-disposal outing his best of the year, and the 2013 draftee has taken huge steps in his development in recent weeks.
The challenge: Like Jacobs, breaking into North’s accomplished inside midfield group will be a tough task for the youngster.
#17: Nathan Grima
The reason: When fully fit, the number 17 is generally a first-choice defender.
The challenge: He’d have to get through training this week after missing six weeks, with the VFL perhaps a more likely avenue for a return.
Even then, the good form of fellow defender Michael Firrito has softened the blow of Grima’s absence, so he’d have to earn his spot.
#19: Sam Wright
The reason: Atley was praised for his run and ball use by Development Manager Ben Dyer in the VFL, despite having flown in from Adelaide from match-day emergency duties that morning.
The challenge: Has had his struggles in North colours this season, managing just the four games.
North has boasted good run out of defence from Nick Dal Santo, Aaron Mullett and Shaun Atley, so Wright may need to go forward for an opportunity.
#23: Kieran Harper
The reason: The exciting midfielder/forward looks to be hitting his straps more consistently after struggling last year and through the early part of 2014.
Some added zip around the feet of the forwards alongside Lindsay Thomas and Robin Nahas would make for a dangerous attacking trio.
The challenge: While he doesn’t need a huge amount of the ball to have an impact, Harper’s numbers at VFL level haven’t been enough to knock the door down as yet.
Any call-up is more likely to be as a substitute given he hasn't played in the royal blue and white since Round 3 last year.
#26: Taylor Hine
The reason: Hine had his best outing of the year for Werribee on Sunday. Could be called upon for run off half-back or a stopping role, in which he excelled last season.
The challenge: North’s defenders have held up their end of the bargain in recent weeks, so a call-up would more likely be in a tagging capacity.
The Demons' Nathan Jones justifies a stopping role, but Levi Greenwood has done a fine job quelling the opposition’s best while impacting the game himself this season.
#32: Mason Wood
The reason: Was knocking the door down before being struck down by injury and missing a fortnight. North’s big men struggled last week and Wood could provide another link in the chain as a hit-up forward.
The challenge: Robbie Tarrant could be forgiven for being a little rusty in his first game back, and the key-forwards weren’t helped by the slow delivery coming in. The three-pronged forward-line may need a few weeks to hit their straps as a unit.
#38: Majak Daw
The reason: 21 disposals, 31 hit-outs and 9 marks is an impressive stat line for a ruckman, and Daw was the most influential big man at Werribee on Sunday.
His influence as a part-time ruckman was also missed by North.
The challenge: Given Tarrant was brought in after only a week in the VFL, he’s likely to get at least another week to adjust to the pace after a long period on the sidelines.
#42: Scott McMahon
The reason: Doing everything right at VFL level, he’s simply waiting for an opportunity amongst an in-form defensive group.
The challenge: Just that. The Kangaroos defensive group on the whole has been solid this season, meaning it’s difficult to break into.
#50: Ben Brown
The reason: Has impressed with his efforts both as a key-forward and in the ruck. His versatility is a bonus, and he’s been hitting the scoreboard.
The number 50 has come on quicker than expected, having only gotten back to playing in the last month.
The challenge: Like Daw, he may have to wait another week as North’s talls adapt to Tarrant's presence.
In The Mix: Round 14
Finding consistency is vital if North is going to trouble the best teams in the competition come September.