With Gavin Urquhart set to miss up to two weeks due to a groin injury, the return of Daniel Pratt from suspension, and the good form of Werribee and North Ballarat aligned players, there is much to considerr.
Today kangaroos.com.au looks at the potential inclusions, and gives supporters the opportunity to have their say on the ins and outs for the clash against Richmond.
Matt Campbell - view profile
Hamstring troubles have seen the small forward miss the last four games. A return for North Ballarat last week netted Campbell just one goal, but he could be the perfect addition to the lineup. He kicked three goals in his last match against the Tigers in 2008.
Last week: 7 possessions, 4 marks, 1 goal for North Ballarat
Ben Ross - view profile
Could be an obvious replacement for the injured Urquhart. He has good skills and his ability to break the lines could benefit his team enormously. Ross was the standout for Werribee last week after being omitted from the North Melbourne team. He has averaged 17 possessions a game so far this season.
Last week: 32 possessions, 7 marks, 6 clearances, 1 goal for Werribee
Sam Wright - view profile
Since his return from a knee injury, the second round pick has struggled to recapture the form that saw him play four games earlier in the season. With North Melbourne developing youth, Wright will definitely be in the mix for a recall in the coming weeks.
Last week: 10 possessions, 5 handball receives, 2 tackles for Werribee
Todd Goldstein - view profile
The ruckman was unlucky to miss out on last week's game after being replaced by Levi Greenwood due to the wet conditions but has been super impressive at Werribee this season. He’s provided plenty of support to Hamish McIntosh when given his chance at the highest level. Goldstein may get another chance as North Melbourne try to expose an inexperienced Richmond ruck divison.
Last week: Replaced by Levi Greenwood in selected lineup
Aaron Edwards - view profile
The wet conditions were not ideal for big marking forwards last week, but Edwards worked hard throughout the day and didn't do his chances any harm. A week earlier he was in North Ballarat's best with three goals and eight marks. He may find it tough to get back in the team with the solid form of Corey Jones, but caused plenty of problems for Richmond's defenders the last time the two teams met.
Last week: 12 possessions, 3 marks for North Ballarat
Cruize Garlett - view profile
North Melbourne's selectors have shown plenty of faith in Garlett this year by promoting him to the senior list. After three games in the seniors, the 20 year-old resumed where he left off in the VFL, winning the ball through the middle and working his way straight back into contention for a recall.
Last week: 20 possessions, 3 marks, 1 goal for North Ballarat
Ed Lower - view profile
Lower was a regular early in the season playing seven of the first eight games. After being omitted by North Melbourne, the South Australian then injured his knee in the VFL and only began playing again a fortnight ago. Two solid games see Lower right back in the mix with his experience as a defender making him a strong chance to replace Urquhart.
Last week: 21 possessions, 3 marks, 6 clearances for North Ballarat
Josh Smith - view profile
Like Aaron Edwards, Josh Smith wasn't aided by the weather last week, but continued to work hard. He was considered by many as North Ballarat's best in the win over Collingwood, and is equal second in the Rooster’s goal kicking for the season with 20. Smith should be given another chance to prove himself before the end of the season.
Last week: 11 possessions, 6 marks, 1 goal for North Ballarat
Shannon Watt - view profile
The experienced defender hasn't dominated at VFL level, but Watt could be important to the Kangaroo’s chances with the likes of Mitch Morton and Jack Riewoldt both in goal kicking form for the Tigers. Watt has been out of favour with the selectors so far this season, but has plenty to offer the backline with the injury to Urquhart.
Last week: 12 possessions, 3 marks for North Ballarat
Michael Wundke - view profile
The young forward looked primed for a debut only a month ago, and with 22 goals from 11 matches could still get his chance. However a goalless game last week against Box Hill wouldn’t have helped his cause and he may have to deliver more before being considered.
Last week: 5 possessions, 3 marks for North Ballarat
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