Against a side renowned for its tall timber, the inclusion of Lachlan Hansen could be vital for North on Saturday – the key defender welcomed back in the defensive six after missing two weeks with a hip injury.

While the loss of two of their most dangerous players, Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey is sure to hurt, Hansen has been one of the Kangaroos’ most consistent players this year and will go a long way towards easing the pain.

Joining Nathan Grima, Michael Firrito and Scott Thompson in defence, Hansen will leave North well equipped to take on the likes of Josh Jenkins, James Podsiadly and Taylor Walker.

Searching for speed, Brad Scott has called upon Kayne Turner for a spark.

The youngest player in the AFL, Turner was a revelation in his debut against the Giants, earning praise for his energy around the ball and fearless approach.

After a week’s rest, the 18-year-old will be raring to go against the Crows on Saturday.

While Jamie Macmillan would have come into consideration, North has resisted the temptation to bring him back after just a week in the VFL.

Brad McKenzie, Mason Wood and Aaron Mullett fill the emergencies, with the latter continuing to work on the defensive side of his game in a bid for a recall.

Adelaide will welcome back Scott Thompson from injury, while Ben Rutten and Rory Laird have also been recalled. David Mackay (concussion), Mitch Grigg (omitted) and Sam Shaw (hamstring) are all out of the side that lost to Richmond.

Team v Adelaide
B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Luke McDonald
HB: Shaun Atley, Nathan Grima, Sam Wright
C: Ryan Bastinac, Andrew Swallow, Ben Jacobs
HF: Nick Dal Santo, Ben Brown, Sam Gibson
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Aaron Black
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Levi Greenwood
Int: Lachlan Hansen, Jack Ziebell, Leigh Adams, Kayne Turner
Emer: Brad McKenzie, Mason Wood, Aaron Mullett

In: Lachlan Hansen, Kayne Turner
Out: Daniel Wells (suspension), Brent Harvey (suspension)