A week after being sent back to the VFL with North Ballarat to find some form, Todd Goldstein has been welcomed back into the North Melbourne squad. While a final call on the team will be made on Friday, the ruckman’s inclusion on a 25-man list is encouraging. With West Coast dominant in the ruck, Goldstein’s inclusion and reunion with Hamish McIntosh could be crucial to the Roos’ chances of a win.
His 64 hit-outs, 22 touches and two goals for the Rooster’s deemed enough to put him on the verge of a recall.
Cruize Garlett could be joining the likes of Andrew Swallow, Liam Anthony and Daniel Wells for a trip back to their home state after being named by Brad Scott and the match committee. The midfielder has had a string of stellar performances in the VFL but is yet to add to his 25 game tally in the AFL in 2012.
Patersons Stadium is a place where Cameron Pedersen made a name for himself playing out of position in the ruck in Round 1 last year, and he could have another opportunity to shine in the west. His versatility and ability to play in a range of positions could make him the perfect option against the Eagles.
Another player added to the squad this week is young Draftee Brad McKenzie. Already named as an emergency on two occasions, the 18-year old will be hoping his time has finally come. With exquisite skills and a competitive streak, Scott is already on record as saying McKenzie’s debut won’t be too far away.
Levi Greenwood has been omitted from the team after playing as the sub against the Suns last week.
B: Jamie MacMillan, Scott Thompson, Shaun Atley
HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Luke Delaney
C: Leigh Adams, Andrew Swallow, Sam Wright
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robert Tarrant, Brent Harvey
F: Kieran Harper, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac
Int From: Brad McKenzie, Liam Anthony, Todd Goldstein, Aaron Edwards, Cruize Garlett, Cam Pedersen, Aaron Mullett
