North Melbourne has welcomed back three key players into the extended squad of 25 to take on West Coast at Patersons Stadium.

Daniel Wells returns after missing three weeks with a calf injury and if selected in the final 22, he will provide a immeasurable boost to the midfield on a day where heavy rotations will be needed.

Down back Nathan Grima returns after also missing three weeks. West Coast's tall forwards are as good as any in the competition and Grima's versatility will be crucial. Not only can Grima shut down his direct opponent, but his ability to fly as a third man up in marking contests gives his fellow backmen a greater margin for error.

Sam Wright is the third of the inclusions and was a late withdrawal against the GWS Giants. His replacement last week Aaron Mullett, collected 26 disposals in an impressive performance which leaves the match committee with much to ponder when selecting the final 22.

The extended bench offers an insight into the flexibility available to North. There are key position players for both ends of the ground as well as multiple midfielders who can drift forward and back when needed.

Stay tuned to kangaroos.com.au at 4:30pm on Friday for the announcement of the 22.

The Team

B: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Michael Firrito
HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Jamie Macmillan
C: Sam Gibson, Daniel Wells, Liam Anthony
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robbie Tarrant, Lindsay Thomas
F: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int From: Ryan Bastinac, Luke Delaney, Sam Wright, Kieran Harper, Cruize Garlett, Matt Campbell, Aaron Mullett

In: Daniel Wells, Nathan Grima, Sam Wright