:It's been a long road but Leigh ‘Patch’ Adams could finally make his return for North Melbourne this week, 738 days since he last donned the royal blue and white.
2007 had been an exciting year for the former Victoria Metro captain after he was drafted by North Melbourne and then promoted to the senior list after some strong performances for the Kangaroo’s VFL affiliate at the time, Tasmania.
2007 had been an exciting year for the former Victoria Metro captain after he was drafted by North Melbourne and then promoted to the senior list after some strong performances for the Kangaroo’s VFL affiliate at the time, Tasmania.
It only took until round five for the 22 year-old to get his chance and against eventual premiers Geelong he showed exactly why he had achieved under 18 All-Australian honours the previous year, looking more than comfortable at the highest level.
The in-and-under midfielder returned to the VFL two weeks later, and despite continuing his good form, injuries ultimately ended his chances of returning to the North Melbourne team in 2007. Adams could consider himself very unlucky not to have been given a recall, highlighted by a season that saw him play just 13 of a possible 18 games for Tasmania, yet still manage to win the club's best and fairest award.
A strong pre-season in 2008 saw the youngster retain a spot on the North Melbourne list, but with a return to the senior team around the corner, he injured his knee and missed the entire 2008 season.
A full season of recovery, and constant knee soreness didn’t stop Adams though and he was given another year with the club. He finally made a return in the VFL reserves just four weeks ago. After three dominant games for Werribee, the North Melbourne coaching staff had little trouble in selecting him in the squad of 25 for this week's clash against Hawthorn.
While it's been a long wait for Adams, it's a different story for Lindsay Thomas who has been a regular for the Kangaroos over the past two seasons.
After 32 goals in 2008, Thomas has struggled for consistency so far this season, and a virus before the Round 13 clash against the Bulldogs did not help his cause.
North Melbourne will be looking for a bag of goals from the 21 year-old this week against a depleted Hawthorn defence. Thomas has kicked 13 goals so far this season, and managed four goals when the teams met in Round 13 last year.
Sam Power also earns a call-up after he was an emergency for last week's match against the Swans.
The former Western Bulldog could get the job on one of the Hawks' danger men like Mitchell, Hodge, Sewell or Bateman.
Daniel Pratt will miss the match after being suspended for striking against Sydney.
North Melbourne Vs Hawthorn, Round 15
Sunday, July 12
Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm
B: Scott McMahon (42) Nathan Grima (17) Scott Thompson (16)
HB: Michael Firrito (11) Lachie Hansen (6) Josh Gibson (38)
C: Gavin Urquhart (14) Adam Simpson (7) Liam Anthony (44)
HF: Leigh Harding (39) Drew Petrie (20) Brent Harvey (29)
F: Corey Jones (21) David Hale (31) Lindsay Thomas (12)
R: Hamish McIntosh (1) Andrew Swallow (9) Brady Rawlings (3)
INT (from): Daniel Harris (4) Sam Power (5) Leigh Adams (13) Ben Ross (15) Josh Smith (18) Todd Goldstein (22) Levi Greenwood (24)
* click on player name for link to profile
In: Power, Thomas, Adams, Josh Smith, Greenwood
Out: Pratt, Garlett
