Given how crucial Saturday’s clash with Collingwood is for North, the selectors will be thinking long and hard about the 22 they select for the MCG fixture.

Despite North VFL coming off the back of a disappointing loss to Richmond, there were some standout performers who continue to build a strong case for senior selection.

North Media takes a look at those in the mix ahead of Round 18.

Defenders

Key defender Ben McKay has continued his red-hot VFL form with an impressive display against Richmond last weekend.

Coaches have considered it one of, if not the, strongest games of his season to date, and with Majak Daw having an impact up forward, McKay could be the one to replace him in defence.

Rookie Tom Murphy was the carry-over emergency for Sunday’s AFL match, meaning he didn’t feature in the VFL.

However, he remains on the doorstep of the senior team having played four matches this season.

Midfields

A late withdrawal from the side last weekend, valuable midfielder Ben Jacobs will likely be a walk-up start if passed fit, after battling concussion symptoms and neck soreness.

Ruckman Braydon Preuss continues to put his hand up for selection after earning himself 43 hit-outs in the VFL on Saturday and making an impact around the ground.

Given the impressive form of Goldstein however, it’s likely Preuss will be forced to bide his time.

Forwards

Will Walker has been an emergency for the past two weeks, and continues to edge closer to an AFL debut after a near best on ground performance in the VFL last weekend.

The first-year player can feature as both a forward and midfielder, with coaches impressed by his development and recent form.

Young key forward Nick Larkey remains a chance to make his first senior appearance in 2018 given the injuries of Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood.

The 20-year-old was an AFL emergency last weekend and didn’t play VFL, but his form to date has been eye-catching.