There’s one more game for North Melbourne to finalise preparations before its first final in Victoria since 2008, and it comes against Melbourne on Saturday night.

The Kangaroos hold a 12-game winning streak over the Demons, dating back to Round 9, 2007. On that afternoon, it was Andrew Swallow who kicked a late game-winning goal to give his side a one-point victory.

Teams

North Melbourne

B: Lachlan Hansen, Scott Thompson, Jamie Macmillan
HB: Shaun Atley, Nathan Grima, Sam Wright
C: Nick Dal Santo, Andrew Swallow, Ben Jacobs
HF: Kayne Turner, Ben Brown, Daniel Wells
F: Mason Wood, Drew Petrie, Aaron Black
Fol: Daniel Currie, Ben Cunnington, Jack Ziebell
Int: Leigh Adams, Ryan Bastinac, Aaron Mullett, Sam Gibson
Emer: Brad McKenzie, Trent Dumont, Scott McMahon

In: Daniel Wells, Lachlan Hansen, Daniel Currie, Jamie Macmillan, Mason Wood
Out: Michael Firrito (soreness), Lindsay Thomas (knee), Levi Greenwood (calf), Todd Goldstein (soreness), Luke McDonald (back)

New: Mason Wood

Melbourne

B: Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Neville Jetta
HB: Jeremy Howe, Tom McDonald, Bernie Vince
C: Jordie McKenzie, Daniel Cross, Rohan Bail
HF: Viv Michie, Max Gawn, Christian Salem
F: Jack Fitzpatrick, Chris Dawes, Dean Kent
Fol: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson
Int: Matt Jones, Jack Watts, Aidan Riley, Jack Viney
Emer: Cameron Pedersen, Daniel Nicholson, Dom Barry

In: Jordie McKenzie, Aidan Riley
Out: Cameron Pedersen (omitted), Colin Garland (knee)

Maintaining the rage

In 2012, North turned in an underwhelming performance in Round 23 against the GWS Giants. While at the time the output was largely excused with an Elimination Final on the horizon, on reflection it became apparent that the side wasn’t approaching the trip to Patersons Stadium in the best of form.

This season the Kangaroos have the benefit of holding their final tune-up at Etihad Stadium and off the back of a three-game winning streak.

With the competition for places hotly contested, it should ensure that Saturday night sees a switched on and motivated North outfit.

Selection dilemmas

With five inclusions into the North side, the best 22 is still far from settled.

While Daniel Wells and Lachlan Hansen are certain starters in next week’s Elimination Final, Saturday night will be Jamie Macmillan’s first AFL game since April.

Brad Scott’s praise for the returning defender during the week indicated the number 34 is regarded as an extremely important player, but the question of how his body reacts to the step up in pace is yet to be seen.

Considering all five exclusions for Round 23 are more than likely to return the week after, and the return of Robbie Nahas in the VFL this weekend, there are all sorts of possible combinations for the match committee to select.

Final round records

While the last game of the home and away season is notorious for its unpredictability, North has typically avoided any issues under Brad Scott.

The Kangaroos are a perfect four out of four in Scott’s time at the club, defeating Melbourne (2010), Richmond (2011), GWS (2012) and Collingwood (2013).

Younger players have also been given a taste of AFL football in the last round of the season. In 2010, Jamie Macmillan was brought back into the side for what was just the fourth game of his career. The next year, Aaron Black made his debut against Richmond, collecting 9 possessions and kicking a goal.

Last season, Taylor Garner was brought into the side for his second career game against Collingwood. He impressed with 16 disposals and 4 tackles.

The trend continues on Saturday, with Mason Wood making his debut.