A redcued squad of 25 will be named on Thursday for the second round of the NAB Cup, though Scott has confirmed Leigh Adams will be missing for the second week running.
“He's probably the only regular member of our team that wasn't in the squad last week. He won't be right this week so it's more a process of leaving a few players out rather than bringing a few in.”
Adams is still on the comeback trail from shoulder surgery in the off-season, while Nathan Grima is likely to be eased in.
Injured in the first NAB Cup match of 2012, Grima was sorely missed in the first half of last year. It's a situation the coach is keen to avoid again in 2013.
"He (Grima) wanted to play last week but he's a really important part of our back six,” Scott said.
“He's touch and go but we won't risk him unless he's absolutely 100 per cent. We'd prefer to get some more training sessions into him.
“At this early stage I'd say he's more unlikely than likely but we certainly won't be taking any risks."
There are no such worries with Jack Ziebell and Daniel Wells who are coming off injury interrupted pre-seasons. The pair both impressed in bursts against Richmond after sitting out game one on Friday night. The expected tough weather conditions won't change their preparation.
"I'm pleasantly surprised with the level they're at so both of those guys will play this week. I think that we'll manage their training load during the week but we need to get game time into them so they'll both play regardless of what the interchange is."
Sitting in fourth position on the NAB Cup ladder, a win over Gold Coast would have North in a strong position heading into its final game against Geelong.
"In terms of our planning, we picked our best (available) squad last week. Winning becomes a habit and we want to develop that. We'll be going out this week to win."
