NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott says meeting Geelong at its strongest would be a valuable experience for his developing side.

Though that opportunity may wait for a later date, the Cats are expected to regain premiership trio Paul Chapman, James Kelly and Joel Corey for Sunday's clash with forwards Steve Johnson and Cameron Mooney suspended.

Scott dismissed the notion that North was heading to Skilled Stadium at the ideal time for an upset, given the Cats' personnel changes and their 24-point loss to St Kilda last week.

"I hate to be sarcastic but ... they're not weakened sufficiently, are they?" Scott said from Arden St on Thursday.

"They're still an extremely strong side, they've got classy players on all lines, so I don't think there's ever a great time to get them.

"To be honest, I'd really like them at their best. I think it's going to be a great experience for our guys to play one of the greatest sides of all time.

"All I'm asking them to do is go out and play our way and take on Geelong man for man; don't be overawed by the names that they've got and the record that they've got."

North has won its last three games to sit just outside the top eight, however Scott said it would be difficult to keep defender Scott McMahon (groin) and midfielder Leigh Adams from returning to the 22.

Adams, who has not played at AFL level since round seven, collected 37 disposals for VFL affiliate Werribee last weekend.

However, the short-term prospects aren't as clear for key forward David Hale, who missed round 12 with a back injury but found 17 disposals and 26-hit-outs with North Ballarat.

Scott said North Melbourne's recent success with Hamish McIntosh and Todd Goldstein as its only tall options shouldn't necessarily count against Hale.

"You've got to look at things week to week. I noted with interest that St Kilda went in with (Michael) Gardiner, (Ben) McEvoy, (Justin) Koschitzke and Rhys Stanley [against the Cats]," Scott said.

"They went in with four extreme talls and it obviously worked pretty well for them on a wet night.

"Haley's a very, very good player. I rate him very highly. He played very well at VFL level so he'll certainly come into contention."

Meanwhile, Scott confirmed captain Brent Harvey had re-signed for the 2011 season.

The new deal means Harvey, 32, will enter a 16th year at the level and challenge the club games record held by Glenn Archer (311).

"He's proven his resilience over a long period of time. He hasn't had any soft-tissue injuries ... the only injuries he's really had are direct trauma injuries," Scott said.

"He's showing no signs of slowing down. He's still got his blistering pace, as we've seen this year.

"We're really pleased that he's signed on for another year and he's going to be a one-club player. He's really a reflection of what we're building here.

"He wants to be around. He thinks it's an exciting time and he wants to be part of it."