As North Melbourne prepares for its first home game of the season, all eyes will be on the players’ recovery after a punishing outing against the Gold Coast in torrid conditions in Cairns.

Fresh legs will be crucial on the fast Etihad Stadium deck against St Kilda for Roos’ blockbuster Good Friday ‘Kick for the Kids’ game.

The North VFL side notched up another practice match win with plenty of standouts, so there are many options for the match committee to consider; but just who will get the nod remains to be seen.

North Media looks at those in the mix for selection.

Defenders

Ben McKay played one of his strongest games in the back half against Coburg and could be looking at a call up for just his second career game. The Saints have plenty of dangerous forwards including Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin, so McKay’s athleticism and height could come into play.

Majak Daw was a travelling emergency in Cairns, so didn’t get an opportunity to impress on the field. The forward/ruck-cum-defender will be hoping his first p[practice match performance in the VFL a fortnight ago is still fresh in the minds of the match committee members. Like McKay, Daw’s athleticism could be a perfect match up for a St Kilda tall.

Midfielders

Will Walker had a quiet start but then began to motor after quarter-time. He accumulated possessions through the midfield and showed just how far he’s come since being drafted with pick No.23.

Declan Mountford made a solid return after a pre-season shoulder injury, but will likely need a few more games before he’s considered.

Paul Ahern was also impressive, and a few more confidence-building games won’t do his chances any harm ahead of an anticipated debut in 2018.

Forwards

When you boot seven goals, you don’t have to do much else to demand a look-in, and that’s the situation facing forward Nick Larkey. The youngster was prolific on Saturday at Arden St and won’t be far off getting a recall.

A surprise omission from the Round 1 side, Mason Wood may have to do a little more at VFL level before making his way back to the big stage.