As North Melbourne begins to welcome some key players back from injury, the club’s VFL affiliates will also be strengthened.

While the Roosters had as few as three AFL-listed players at their disposal earlier in the year, it’s a different story on Sunday with as many as nine Kangaroos in action.

All eyes will be on the long-awaited return of Daniel Wells, who is likely to play three quarters in his first game since Round 5.

The midfielder will be eased in somewhat after such a long lay-off, but team-mate Joel Tippett is set to play a full game and no doubt look to push his case for a senior recall.

North Ballarat regains the run of Aaron Mullett in defence, while the midfield combination of Trent Dumont, Liam Anthony, Brad McKenzie and Wells could cause havoc at Eureka Stadium.

At Werribee, Nathan Grima is readying himself for another run and a potential match-up with one of the opposition’s dangerous forwards. Liam Jones, Jarrad Grant, Tory Dickson and Ayce Cordy are among Footscray’s options in attack.

Scott McMahon is sure to hold down an important stopping role, and Taylor Hine could be suited to a job on Daniel Giansiracusa should the experienced Bulldog not be selected to play AFL.

With another strong game off half-back, Kieran Harper will be eyeing a call-up, while Majak Daw and Mason Wood will be looking to hit the scoreboard for the Tigers.

Currently in fifth place on the VFL ladder, Werribee needs a win to bridge the gap on the top sides. It won’t be an easy task, with Footscray winning nine of its last ten games.

It’s a similar tale for North Ballarat against the eighth-placed Cats, as the race to September heats up.  

Werribee Tigers vs. Footscray Bulldogs
Sunday, August 10
Avalon Airport Oval at 1:00pm

Probable North-listed players
- Nathan Grima
- Scott McMahon
- Taylor Hine
- Kieran Harper
- Majak Daw
- Mason Wood
- Daniel Currie

North Ballarat vs. Geelong Cats
Sunday, August 10
Eureka Stadium at 2:00pm

Probable North-listed players
- Max Warren
- Joel Tippett
- Aaron Mullett
- Liam Anthony
- Eric Wallace
- Daniel Wells
- Mitch Wilkins
- Trent Dumont
- Brad McKenzie