With both VFL sides in action over the weekend, plenty of players put their hands up for senior selection.
Have your say on any potential changes in the comments below.
(Players listed in alphabetical order)
Liam Anthony
Anthony is attempting to force his way back into the senior side through sheer weight of numbers and an ability to win the football. Consistently collecting more than 30 possessions at VFL level, his most recent outing against Collingwood was no different.
His tackling numbers have also increased in recent weeks, a sign of the midfielder’s improved defensive focus.
Last game: 38 disposals, 11 marks, 5 tackles v Collingwood VFL
Daniel Currie
In the games the ruckman has played since his return from injury, his 27 hit-out performance against Port Melbourne on Sunday was arguably the best of the lot.
With Todd Goldstein coming off an uncharacteristically quiet game against Adelaide, Currie may be a good option in support to North’s number one.
Last game: 17 disposals, 27 hit-outs v Port Melbourne
Majak Daw
Daw had been building to a good performance for a few weeks at Werribee, and in its win over Port Melbourne he delivered.
Tigers’ coach Scott West was most pleased with his forward pressure both in the air and on the ground.
Last game: 4 goals, 13 hit-outs v Port Melbourne
Michael Firrito
Working his way into good form for Werribee, Firrito collected a lot of the ball in the win over Port Melbourne.
In previous games against Essendon, Firrito has matched up on Michael Hurley and done the job. While the Bombers’ forward may not return this week, matching Firrito up on a key forward may be an option for the match committee to consider.
Last game: 23 disposals, 4 marks v Port Melbourne
Levi Greenwood
The likes of Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield were damaging at AAMI Stadium, playing a big part late in Adelaide’s win.
Essendon has similar midfielders who can change a game, which means another defensive-minded midfielder like Greenwood could fit into the North setup on Saturday.
Last game: Travelling emergency
Nathan Grima
Grima has recovered from a back injury which forced him to miss the last fortnight. A best 22 player when fit, the question mark is over whether the defender will need a week of VFL action to regain some touch.
The good form of Luke Delaney may also delay Grima’s comeback. In just his second game of the year, he shut down dangerous Crow forward Lewis Johnston on Sunday, restricting him to just 11 disposals and a goal.
Last game: Did not play
Kieran Harper
While he didn’t have a big outing at VFL level, Harper was one of three emergencies for North Melbourne last week and may come into contention again.
The skilful youngster has x-factor, and booted 2 goals in the win against Essendon in 2012.
Last game: 11 disposals, 1 goal v Port Melbourne
Brad McKenzie
Not necessarily dropped from the senior side for form, McKenzie went back to North Ballarat and showed the benefits of his time at AFL level.
A strong four-quarter performance led to a 25-disposal outing and should have the second year player in the frame for an immediate recall.
Last game: 25 disposals, 9 marks, 1 goal v Collingwood VFL
Scott McMahon
Essendon has a range of small forwards who can be dangerous at ground level and McMahon has experience playing against Alwyn Davey and similar types.
Port Melbourne’s small forwards were ineffective against McMahon on Sunday, illustrating he is in solid form at VFL level.
Last game: 14 disposals v Port Melbourne
Will Sierakowski
One of Werribee’s best in its big win, Sierakowski’s performance was labelled ‘outstanding’ by West.
While he hasn’t played since Round 11, a late-season call-up isn’t out of the question.
Last game: 27 disposals v Port Melbourne
Have your say on any potential changes in the comments below.
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