It’s back to home comforts this week for North, returning from Perth to face Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Several close losses, combined with impressive form from a number of players in the VFL makes this week’s selection a tough one.

Midfielders

Shaun Higgins will hope to return from hamstring tightness and would bolster the North midfield significantly, while there are several younger players pushing for a senior recall.

Jed Anderson has strung together an impressive month of football for Werribee, with his latest performance again showing his ability to finish games strongly.

Ryan Clarke has had 53 disposals and six goals in the past fortnight at VFL level. Declan Mountford was also named as one of Werribee’s best on the weekend against Footscray.

After resting last week, Braydon Preuss could be back in to give Todd Goldstein a chop-out in the ruck. 

Forwards

As the travelling emergency in Perth, Corey Wagner is clearly close to his first AFL game of the season – able to play forward or in the midfield if required.

If North opts to bring in another tall forward, Majak Daw is a likely option. 

Defenders

Sam Durdin has spent the last fortnight at VFL level following his AFL debut in Round 3.

With Tom Lynch and Peter Wright looming for the North defensive unit to deal with, Durdin may be in the mix to come into the side at Etihad Stadium.