Robbie Tarrant has declared himself a certain starter ahead of Saturday night’s preliminary final against West Coast after being a late withdrawal last week.

The key defender tweaked his groin during the warm up against the Swans at ANZ Stadium and missed out on playing in North’s 26-point win.

“It’s obviously disappointing to miss out on any game, especially a final, but it was the best thing for the team in the end,” Tarrant told NMFC.com.au.

“I’ve never had that happen to me before. It happened about half way through the warm up.

“I felt really good up until I took my first kick and that just triggered something.

“It just didn’t feel right.”

Tarrant faced a race against time as headed to the Kangaroos’ change rooms for treatment with director of medical services Steve Saunders.

With just minutes to make a final call, the decision was made to end Tarrant’s night prematurely and activate emergency player Luke McDonald.

“We didn’t have enough time to get enough treatment in there to free it up so we made the call not to take any unnecessary risks or jeopardise the team’s prospects against the Swans,” Tarrant explained.

“I think we only had six minutes to make an accurate diagnosis and apply the appropriate treatment.

“Steve gave me up until the last minute to prove my fitness but we just ran out of time.

“There’s really only so much you can do in that limited amount of time.”

Tarrant said he was disappointed not to be able to take his place in the side and play on Kurt Tippett.

“You set yourself for a big matchup all week and then it’s all over and you don’t get a chance to play it out. It was just disappointing.”

With West Coast’s tall forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling set to pose a big threat in North’s third final, Tarrant’s return is timely.

“Steve and the medical team have been fantastic all week. I’ve had a heap of treatment starting straight after last week’s game, then the next day and all throughout the week,” Tarrant said.

“I’m feeling really good and am ready to go against West Coast so hopefully we can get the win.”

If there was one positive to come out of last week’s drama for Tarrant, it could be the unplanned chance for him to recharge.

“It might make me a little bit fresher for this week, so hopefully that’s a positive.”