The Kangaroos will be forced to make one change to its line-up heading into Round 2, after ruckman Tristan Xerri suffered a right ankle syndesmosis injury against the Eagles last weekend.
Veteran Kangaroo Todd Goldstein stands as the most obvious replacement. The 295-gamer was left out of the Round 1 squad and shapes as a valuable inclusion with Callum Coleman-Jones (foot) and now Xerri out of action for the near future.
Xerri's injury led to the Kangaroos using the tactical sub for the first time in 2023, with young midfielder Will Phillips taking the ruckman's place after quarter time.
Having missed the bulk of 2022 due to illness, Phillips capitalised on his early opportunity with his willingness to impact the contest. He finished with 17 disposals and four clearances across three quarters in his first AFL appearance since Round 23, 2021.
Whether he is included in the starting 22 for Saturday night's clash against Fremantle or whether he will feature as the sub again is up in the air.
Defenders Aidan Corr and Aaron Hall along with midfielder Daniel Howe are all pushing for selection after impactful performances in the Kangaroos reserves' recent practice matches.
Kallan Dawson, another tall defender trying to break into the senior squad, was particularly impressive against former team Williamstown last Saturday morning.
The 24-year-old booted an eye-catching major and pulled down a handful of intercept grabs across half-back.
Dawson goes bang! 💥
— North Melbourne Reserves (@NMFCReserves) March 17, 2023
Trying to top Tucker's goal, the defender finds the footy at the top of the arc, turns on the jets and unleashes one from 50 metres for our second of the term.
🦘 27
🔵🟡 10
Lachie Young currently finds himself on the periphery after being named an emergency for Round 1. Unused at either level last weekend, he could see some minutes in the opening round of the VFL season unless the match committee decides to make an unforced change.
Second-year defender Jackson Archer played a half against Williamstown and is likely to build up his minutes in the reserves as he recovers from groin soreness.
The 20-year-old looked motivated and assertive at Arden Street on Saturday, and looks on track to raise his hand for senior selection in the coming weeks.
Draftee George Wardlaw has progressed through his block of conditioning and is primed for a return to gameplay this weekend.
The inside midfielder is likely to play three quarters in the VFL and, given his talent, could immediately start pushing his case for an early senior selection.
