While many clubs would use the final round of the home and away season as a chance to mix things up, the announcement of Essendon’s penalties changes things up completely for North.

Suddenly, five teams are fighting for eighth spot and Brad Scott will no doubt be looking to field his best team to take on Collingwood on Sunday

Despite a bruised lung, Scott Thompson’s playing ambitions for 2013 aren’t over yet, but he’d be relying on a Roos’ appearance in September to have any chance.

North Ballarat is out of the finals, while Werribee plays on Sunday, making for an interesting week at the selection table.

NMFC.com.au looks at those in the mix for a call-up.  

Have your say on the potential changes below.

(in alphabetical order)

Liam Anthony
The midfield ball-magnet has found things a bit tougher in recent weeks, receiving plenty of attention at VFL level.

With that in mind, any player who can be considered ‘quiet’ after picking up 20 disposals has lofty standards and against a strong Collingwood on-ball brigade, he could be a handy in.

With just five games to his name this year, Anthony has fallen out of favour. He’ll be desperate to prove he's still got what it takes.

Leigh Adams
A late withdrawal against the Hawks, Adams would have to be a strong chance to make his return this week, especially after hitting his straps in the latter part of the season.

He’ll have to get through training on Thursday to prove his fitness.  

Daniel Currie
The ruckman would be an outside chance at best given the strong form of Todd Goldstein as a one-out option.

However, his VFL form warrants respect and he was a standout against the Pies’ experienced ruckmen Darren Jolly and Ben Hudson on the weekend.

If North is looking to stretch young Collingwood ruck Brodie Grundy, a call-up isn’t out of the question.

Taylor Garner
A match-day emergency against the Hawks, Garner didn’t have the chance to prove himself.

But his efforts this year have done plenty to justify another opportunity. It was a tough debut for North’s number one pick in Round 20, and he’d no doubt jump at the chance for another senior outing.

Taylor Hine
The former Sun didn’t play last week, succumbing to an ankle injury, but some of his tagging roles in 2013 are hard to ignore.

Hine is statistically the best stopper in the league in 14 games this season, conceding just 13 possessions for every 100 minutes played.

Against a Collingwood midfield stacked with class, he may be welcomed back with open arms.

His main challenge is finding more of the ball himself. He’s had more than 11 disposals in just one of his last six matches.

Scott McMahon
Experienced heads are vital in big games, and the calm and collected defender could be the perfect inclusion.

The number 42 has been terrific at VFL level in recent weeks, and is a chance to be reacquainted with a team-mate who’s had an equally challenging year, Michael Firrito.

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