North Melbourne expects defender Scott Thompson to play in his penultimate AFL game this weekend, despite suffering a nasty head knock on Saturday night.

It comes as the Kangaroos warn they will not take their upcoming clash with Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium lightly, despite defeat last week ending the club's slim finals chances.

Thompson sat out the final stages of the side's dismal 55-point loss to Geelong last week, having landed awkwardly on his head following a tangle with Sam Menegola.

The veteran defender, who has announced he will retire at season's end, had already sustained a knock during the game which left him with a huge lump on his forehead.

However, despite the double blow, Thompson has trained strongly throughout the week, with Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw confident he will be fit to play against Port Adelaide.

"He looks really good – other than his head," Shaw said on Wednesday.

"He should be able to get through training, so I don't see any issues with him."

North Melbourne was held to its lowest score ever in its loss to Geelong last week, kicking just 1.8 (14) for the entire match as it collapsed to a disappointing defeat.

However, with two games remaining in the campaign, Shaw stressed that no players will be gifted appearances over the next fortnight and said opportunities would have to be earned.

"We've tried to breed a competitive edge within the group," Shaw said.

"Especially in terms of selection. We don't want to just hand out games, if at all possible.

"Guys have got to deserve it, that's been my mentality coming into the job. There might be chances this week or next, but they've got to deserve it."