The star midfielder trained welll on Tuesday but has another hurdle to jump this week to prove his fitness.
“He’s done well again this week with his training, we just need to see how he goes on Thursday and then it’s up to the selectors whether we decide he’ll be in the team or not,” General Manager – Football Operations Manager Chris Fagan told the club's website.
If the former captain does suit up for the Friday night encounter, he will be a danger having performed exceptionally well against the Kangaroos in recent times. In 2013, Mitchell amassed 28 and 27 disposals in two encounters in Round 5 and 22 respectively.
Josh Gibson meanwhile is eyeing off a return after the split round in a fortnight, following a torn pectoral muscle.
“He’s going really well, he’s training super hard – his fitness is at a high level,” Fagan said.
“I think he’s been angling to play the following week (Round 17) but we’re pretty certain we’ll bring him back into the team post the bye.”
Like North, the Hawks have had a wretched run with injuries so far this season.
The Roos’ list of injured players has swelled to 12 in recent weeks with the likes of Nathan Grima, Daniel Wells, Robbie Tarrant, Robbie Nahas, Taylor Garner, Jamie Macmillan and Joel Tippett unavailable. Jack Ziebell (knee) and Lachie Hansen (soreness) will face fitness tests at Arden Street before being declared ‘available to play’.
