This week it’s the Bulldogs who’ll hope to stand in the way of the Kangaroos’ fourth win of the season, while Scott will search for the perfect combination to turn things around.
The players will take the track on Thursday ahead of the 25-man squad being announced, but the North Melbourne coach and his assistants will already be casting their eye over those who could potentially step up from the VFL should they wish to make changes.
North Ballarat’s bye meant the likes of Todd Goldstein, Cruize Garlett and Brad McKenzie didn’t have a chance to put their names forward, though the trio who were all named as emergencies last week will be right in the mix.
Werribee’s 40-point win brought about several good performances from its North-aligned players, in particular Ben Warren and Lachlan Hansen.
kangaroos.com.au takes a look at the players most likely to push for a call-up against the Bulldogs.
Have your say on what, if any changes there should be for this week’s game below.
Matt Campbell
The exciting Campbell sat out last week due to North Ballarat’s bye, but was one of its best the week previous playing as a midfielder, particularly in the second half. Campbell’s lightning speed could be a welcome addition to the squad, although he’ll be hoping to have more impact around the goals than in the opening four rounds if selected.
Cameron Delaney
Another who enjoyed a week off in the VFL, Delaney was talked up in the media by Scott last week but eventually overlooked. Given the regard he’s held in after just one senior game, a recall to the seniors looks on the cards in the near future.
Cruize Garlett
Garlett was a traveling emergency last week, but was forced to watch on from the sidelines. In his last match for the Roosters, he had 22 touches and demonstrated his ability to be a linking player with 11 handball receives.
Todd Goldstein
Many tipped Goldstein to be recalled after a week in the VFL, but Scott resisted the urge to play two specialist ruckmen. His decision was justified even before the game started when Nic Naitanui withdrew from the Eagles’ team. Goldstein’s professional approach at state level was strongly commended by his coach, and he’ll no doubt get another chance soon.
Levi Greenwood
Omitted from the side that defeated the Gold Coast after not having the impact he would have liked as a substitute, Greenwood will be desperate to break back into the team. His hardness at the ball can’t be underestimated, especially when you consider he laid five tackles in a quarter against the Suns.
Nathan Grima
Josh Kennedy’s absence likely made it a little more difficult for Grima to regain his spot last week, but another strong showing at Werribee makes him hard to ignore. The key-defender played 91% of the match, and racked up 19 possessions and six marks to put his hand up once again.
Lachlan Hansen
Versatility is a key to Hansen’s chances of a return, with the number six able to play both forward and back. He was named among the Tigers’ best last week, and is one of a raft of key-position options Scott has at his disposal.
Brad McKenzie
North’s first selection in the 2011 National Draft has been mentioned several times by Scott as a potential debutant. The youngster has improved every week, and with 14 possessions at an amazing 93% efficiency rate in his last hit-out, could certainly be a handy addition off half-back.
Ben McKinley
The former Eagle has been ultra-consistent at VFL level this year, in particular against Coburg on Saturday in an unfamiliar defensive role. Better known as a forward, he repelled many attacks, highlighting another asset of his game.
Ben Warren
The hard-working forward warrants much respect for his team-first attitude, but is surely edging closer to donning the royal blue and white again after another good performance. He booted four goals and pulled down seven marks, while staying on the field for 95% of the game, more than any other Werribee player. If he keeps kicking goals, he’ll make himself hard to ignore.
