Regarded as one of North Melbourne’s most crucial defenders, Nathan Grima has just one final hurdle to jump before making his return to the AFL.
Grima got through a tough main training session at Arden Street on Thursday and has been named at centre-half back for the Eureka game against Richmond at the MCG, but must finish training on Saturday.
Also named in the 25-man squad is young defender Jamie Macmillan. The 18 year-old has been ever close to making his debut for some time after consistent performances in the VFL for Werribee.
A minimum of two players will be included in North’s round 16 team with Drew Petrie (foot) and Cruize Garlett (calf) out with to injuries.
Vying for one of those spots along with Macmillan is Aaron Edwards, Gavin Urquhart and Leigh Harding who have all been toiling away at VFL level with North Ballarat.
While last week’s match was a trying affair in horrid conditions at Eureka stadium, Edwards will be hoping his recent seven goal haul against Collingwood’s reserve side is still fresh in the mind of Scott.
Some players will consider themselves lucky this week and have avoided the chopping block despite sub-par performances against Sydney at the SCG.
Scott was at pains to point out at his media conference this week that Sunday’s match will be an opportunity to see what his young side is made of.
Backs: M.Firrito 11 S.Thompson 16 B.Rawlings 3
Half Backs: R.Tarrant 25 N.Grima 17 D.Pratt 30
Centreline: L.Adams 13 B.Harvey 29 R.Bastinac 28
Half Forwards: L.Thomas 12 L.Hansen 6 B.Warren 5
Forwards: D.Wells 8 T.Goldstein 22 S.Wright 19
Followers: H.McIntosh 1 A.Swallow 9 L.Greenwood 24
Interchange from: E.Lower 2 B.Cunnington 10 G.Urquhart 14 A.Edwards 27 M.Campbell 33 J.MacMillan 34 L.Harding 39
In: L.Harding , A.Edwards , N.Grima , G.Urquhart , J.MacMillan
Out: D.Petrie (Foot) , C.Garlett (Calf)
New: J.MacMillan
