NORTH Melbourne veteran Nick Dal Santo "absolutely" wants to play on in 2017 but admits he could finish the season without knowing if he will be offered a new contract.

Dal Santo is among a group of over-30s the Roos need to make tough calls on in the coming weeks, with games record holder Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Michael Firrito also facing uncertain futures. 

Although he has had discussions with the club, Dal Santo is playing the waiting game as North heads towards finals.

"Absolutely, I want to play next year," Dal Santo told RSN radio.

"I understand the club's position as well, and we are in a unique situation where there's a lot of us over that dangerous age of 30, but by saying that I feel like if you're playing good footy and you give them good evidence, you're a good shot to play."

The Roos' season won't finish until September after Melbourne's shock loss to Carlton all-but guaranteed North would play finals.

But Dal Santo still might walk off the ground for the last time this season with his career in limbo.

"It's not about a farewell game or anything like that, but even with family and friends it would be nice for them to come and say, 'That was Nick's last game'," Dal Santo said.

"Potentially we could walk off the ground not knowing."

Based on his numbers, Dal Santo, who turns 33 in February, has a strong case to continue for a 16th season.

He has played all bar one game this season and is averaging 24.6 disposals and 3.5 tackles across his wing, half-forward and half-back roles.

Importantly, the classy left-footer's body is holding up well.

"I actually feel really good. I don't want to speak too soon, because things can change very quickly and you feel like every game could be your last potentially if you get a serious injury," Dal Santo said.

"But mentally is the other part, I feel really positive where my body's at, but mentally I'm happy to go again.

"I feel like I want to get up early, get to training. I love the challenge and the pressure that preparing for a game each week brings."

The Roos' final game of the home-and-away season is against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night and Dal Santo was adamant they wanted to finish with a victory, despite any finals ramifications.

North can only finish in eighth spot, but could avoid travelling to face the Giants in an elimination final and instead be drawn to play the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne if they win in round 23.

"I can't see us wanting to go backwards, trying to play conservative or hide guys or tactics," Dal Santo said.

"We want to win and whatever comes of that will. We need to get a bit of momentum and you get good momentum by winning games."