Travelling to Brisbane this weekend to take on the in form Lions looks a tough task for a North Melbourne team that hasn't won since Round 9.

What is encouraging however is David Hale, Michael Firrito and Andrew Swallow all trained well despite some injury concerns after the draw against Richmond.

Another positive is the amount of players waiting in the wings for Darren Crocker to choose from including Matt Campbell, Ben Ross, Gavin Urquhart, Daniel Harris, Ed Lower, Cruize Garlett, Aaron Edwards and Josh Smith.

Jesse Smith is now out of the running for a return after injuring a hamstring for North Ballarat, but the other all have experience at AFL level and will come into contention for selection.

For Ross it's been a frustrating season, the 20 year-old has averaged over 17 possessions for North Melbourne in his eight matches this year, but has missed the past two games after a less productive game against Sydney. His 32 and 27 possession performances in the last two weeks for Werribee will bring the youngster right back into the mix.

Gavin Urquhart is available after sitting out a week with the groin problem that hampered his efforts against Hawthorn in Launceston. The 2006 draftee will have to prove his fitness this week in a bid to return. It’s a similar situation for Matty Campbell who will be closely watched on the track after a cautious return from recurring hamstring injuries.

Lower played seven of the first eight games for North, but a knee injury prematurely ended his good run of form. Some solid games for the Roosters can only help his chances, while Daniel Harris would consider himself unlucky to have been dropped last week after 16 possessions against the Hawks and must be considered.

Garlett has been a stand-out for North Ballarat all season and showed plenty in his three games for the Kangaroos to suggest he has a bright future. On the end of many of Garlett's passes has been hard leading forward Aaron Edwards. 25 possessions and nine marks last week could see the former Eagle replace Hale if he doesn't come up.

Josh Smith could be in the running to play his first game since Round 4. The number 18 has had several solid performances in the VFL and the need for marks inside 50 mean the 23 year-old could be a handy inclusion.