Coming off back soreness, the 28-year-old has re-joined the main training group and with big, strong key-defenders in demand, he’s sure to come into consideration for Round 1.
“He’s pretty underrated to us Narni,” Defensive Coach Josh Drummond told NMFC.com.au.
“He’s missed a reasonable chunk of pre-season, but he’s back in full training now as a lot of the defenders are.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch the defenders' pre-season update | YouTube
While injuries have been a constant hurdle throughout Grima’s career, his value in the side at peak fitness can’t be understated.
“Last year he formed a really good partnership with Lachie (Hansen) and Scooter (Scott Thompson) back there as our talls.
“It’s really important for him over the next six to eight weeks to keep that continuity building and it’d be great to have him out there for Round 1. He’s tracking in the right direction.”
Grima will be itching to get back out on the park, as another key-defender puts his name forward.
Like his more experienced team-mate, Joel Tippett joined the club as a mature-age recruit and while he’s already had two stints in the AFL, perhaps North is his calling.
“He’s (Tippett) been really impressive with the way he’s attacked training and had a real presence about him out on the track,” Drummond added.
“He’s looked really hungry and he’s really attacked training playing on the likes of (Drew) Petrie and (Aaron) Black and he’s really held his own.
“Hopefully he gets a go over the next couple of weeks.”
With just five days remaining until the first round of the NAB Challenge series, there’s no wiping the smile off the face of Luke McDonald.
While expectations are high on McDonald, the 19-year-old has wasted no time making his mark.
“The way he’s (McDonald) gone about his training and the way he’s picked up our game-style and the way we want to play has been really impressive.
“Hopefully he’ll get a chance over the next few weeks to put his case forward for Round 1.”
For North and Drummond, picking a back six is no easy task.
Depth in defence is one of the Kangaroos’ greatest strengths, particularly with the inclusions of McDonald and former Saint Nick Dal Santo.
“When we picked up Nick Dal Santo, he was obviously a great recruit for us. The first thing I said to Scotty (Brad Scott) and Joycey (Cameron Joyce) was he’d look great off a half-back flank.
“You need to be able to play multiple positions and try and keep the opposition guessing and also help us play the way we want to play.”
While Shaun Atley is tipped to move into the midfield, his presence won’t be completely lost.
“I think he’ll definitely get a chance to shows his wears in there (the midfield), but we know he can play back and do it very well.
“He’s again another guy who can play back, midfield and depending on the week, depending on the game we’ll see where he ends up.”
Having made a name as an unassuming run-with player last season, Taylor Hine has also impressed.
“He had some different jobs last year. He played on inside-mids, guys like Daniel Rich, but then also played on Steven Motlop, Pearce Hanley, Brett Deledio and generally held his own,” Drummond said.
“He spent a bit of time down back and also through the midfield this year. It is a bit of the in-word at the moment, just having the player who can play different positions - that ‘utility’.
“Hopefully Hiney can do that for us, and we are confident he can push through the midfield if need be.”
With close to a full list to choose from, all eyes with be on selection on Thursday before the clash against Carlton two days later.
North Melbourne v Carlton
Saturday February 15
4:40pm (EDT)
Eureka Stadium, North Ballarat
