North Melbourne heads into its clash with Brisbane with a chance to re-enter the top eight.

Andrew Swallow and Daniel Wells are potential inclusions, but the good form of many in the VFL raises the potential for multiple changes to the side which lost to Gold Coast by 43 points.

With both VFL sides playing on Sunday, all three emergencies will be at North’s disposal a day earlier. It’s a different situation to previous weeks due to fixture and travel.

Have your say on any potential changes in the comments below.

#5: Ben Jacobs

The reason: In red-hot VFL form, Jacobs has collected 71 possessions in his last two outings for North Ballarat. Finding the ball is no worry for the left-footer. In his most recent game for the Kangaroos, he had 15 disposals in just 38 per cent game time against Collingwood.

The challenge: If Swallow and Wells are both to return against the Lions, a Jacobs inclusion would force three changes to the midfield rotation in one week. With a side which has struggled for consistency from game to game in 2014, it may be one too many.

#8: Daniel Wells

The reason: When fit, Wells is clearly a member of North Melbourne’s best 22.

The challenge: His troublesome foot injury is healing slower than expected. Depending on how he recovers from Wednesday’s main training session, Saturday may be one week too soon.

#9: Andrew Swallow

The reason: Speaking to media on Monday at Arden Street, the captain stated that all he had to do was complete the week’s three training sessions and he would take the field against Brisbane.

The challenge: After more than nine months out of action for the senior side, the level of caution will be extremely high. If there is even the slightest hint of soreness on the training track, another week in the VFL looms as the safe option.

#28: Robin Nahas

The reason: Nahas’ two games for North have coincided with arguably the side’s most impressive wins under Brad Scott. Playing as a high half-forward, he has added extra forward pressure to the attacking half.

The challenge: Nahas has been substituted out of his two games and on the fast track of Etihad Stadium, his ability to run a game out may be a concern.

#32: Mason Wood

The reason: In blistering form for Werribee, Wood has been a focal point for the Tigers in recent weeks. Able to play higher up the field than most key forwards, he could be the link and target-man between the back and forward 50’s.

The challenge: With Drew Petrie, Aaron Black and Majak Daw all already occupying spots in the forward line, there is the danger of being too tall and susceptible to opposition rebound if Wood becomes a fourth key forward.

#42: Scott McMahon

The reason: Against Gold Coast, North struggled with the Suns’ small forwards and ability at ground level. The solution may be to change the mix in the back half by adding a small defender.

The challenge: If the extra midfielders return into the side, the coaching staff may have faith in the extra rotations covering the opposition’s smaller players without the need for a small defender.

comments powered by Disqus