North Melbourne will look to stay in the hunt for a finals wildcard when it faces St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Round 20, North Melbourne v St Kilda
When: Sunday, July 26 at 3.15pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, VIC
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Saints enter Round 20 following a 27-point defeat to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, where a slow start had Ross Lyon’s side playing catch-up for most of the evening.

Star midfielder Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera’s impact was nullified by Geelong’s Oisin Mullin, but Rowan Marshall starred, finishing with 33 disposals, 30 hitouts, 12 clearances and two goals.

The loss leaves St Kilda 10th on the ladder with five games left to keep their finals and wildcard hopes alive.

The Saints could welcome back two important inclusions this weekend, with Max King and Tom De Koning both set to face fitness tests.

In the mix

Defender Tom Blamires has completed concussion protocols after suffering a head knock against Collingwood in Round 18 and could slot straight back into the line-up against the Saints.

Veteran defender Luke McDonald picked up a calf strain in Saturday's defeat to Melbourne and could make way if he is unable to prove his fitness later in the week.

Lachy Dovaston, Jacob Konstanty and Zac Banch are among the forwards in contention for a recall. 

Running hot

Harry Sheezel was at his effective best with ball in hand against the Demons.

North Melbourne's vice-captain won 33 disposals and he made them count, recording a game-high eight score involvements.

His vision and quick work to release Jy Simpkin for this Jack Darling goal typified the vision and calmness he will hope to deliver again on Sunday.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson post-game v Melbourne: "There's enough positive signs with our group that they're competing a lot better.

"With a bit more experience and a bit more smarts with the ball in hand, we might be able to punish sides a little bit more than we did today."