It’s always going to be difficult to replace players the quality of Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey, but North will take confidence from the fact it’s been able to perform without its stars at various times this year.

With Andrew Swallow, Nathan Grima, Robbie Tarrant and Wells among those to have spent significant time on the sidelines, the Kangaroos have been forced to call on extra armoury; the likes of Levi Greenwood, Ben Jacobs and Ben Brown have been among those to stand up and earn their spot after being given an opportunity.

Several players are making a push for selection late in the season, meaning it will be another interesting week at match committee.

NMFC.com.au looks at those in the mix for selection.

Have your say on the potential changes below.


#2: Brad McKenzie

The reason: Precision skills under pressure are vital in finals. If North is considering bringing McKenzie back this year, he’ll need to work his way back up to the pace of AFL level before September.  

The challenge:
In his last full game, the left-footer struggled to have an impact, picking up just 4 disposals in 72 per cent game time.

#4: Liam Anthony

The reason: Anthony is doing everything right at VFL level, even excelling in a tagging role last week.

He could provide some valuable outside run in the absence of Wells, and had 9 disposals in quick time as the substitute when the teams last met.

The challenge:
The midfielder hasn’t played over 50 per cent game-time at AFL level since Round 13 last year, meaning any appearance is likely to be as a substitute.

#6: Lachlan Hansen

The reason:
When fit, Hansen is one of North’s most important players. Adelaide’s array of dangerous talls could make him vital as a spare defender, a role in which he has blossomed this year.

The challenge:
With a home final at stake, the match committee won’t be taking any risks. Hansen will need to prove he’s 100 per cent to return from a hip injury.

#14: Trent Dumont

The reason: Dumont has been one of the biggest improvers at VFL level this year, and has hit form at the right time of the year.

With Harvey out, North may be searching for some added smarts across half-forward.

The challenge: With so much riding on the game for both the Kangaroos and Crows, the tempo is sure to be hot.

With only two games remaining, it could be a little daunting for a debutant to come in now.

#32: Mason Wood

The reason: Unlucky not to have gained a call-up earlier, Wood continues to perform strongly at Werribee in multiple roles.

The challenge:
North’s tall forwards have been terrific together in the past fortnight, and it’s hard to see any of them being omitted.

#34: Jamie Macmillan

The reason: One of the Kangaroos’ most underrated players, Macmillan’s run and poise has been missed perhaps even more than expected.

He didn’t miss a beat at VFL level last week, and surprised even himself with the way he ran out the game.

The challenge:
After a long lay-off, another good performance at Werribee may be needed to knock the door down for selection.  

#40: Kayne Turner

The reason: Despite his light frame, Turner didn’t take a backwards step on debut. After a week’s rest, he’ll be raring to go.

Minus Harvey, some run and zip in attack is going to be vital.

The challenge:
While the Giants are developing quickly, the bigger bodies of the more experienced Crows may make the game more physically demanding than Turner's first outing.

Despite his fearless approach, North will need to be confident he can handle the crash and bash of a finals-like game.  

#41: Aaron Mullett

The reason: Mullett responded strongly from his omission with 34 disposals for North Ballarat. His run and carry could be vital in the absence of Harvey and Wells.

The challenge: The defender has had a tough year after such an exciting 2013 campaign. With a side already boasting the defensive run of Luke McDonald, Shaun Atley and Sam Wright, he may need another week to prove himself at the Roosters.

#42: Scott McMahon

The reason: Experience. He’s only played five games this year, but there’s no doubting McMahon adds a cool head in defence.

He’s done little wrong at Werribee and continues to push his case.

The challenge: North’s defenders held up well under immense pressure during the second quarter last week. Nathan Grima was terrific, while Michael Firrito and Scott Thompson were solid.

The potential return of Lachlan Hansen could make it hard to justify another defender.

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