Aside from a few injury-enforced absences, Hansen has been a fixture in North's team since the start of his third season, 2010.
But 2006's No. 3 draft pick has kicked just five goals in North's opening four games this season, and struggled to have an impact in the 63-point win over the Brisbane Lions last Sunday.
Hansen's subdued performance against the Lions was in stark contest to the electrifying cameo of AFL debutant Majak Daw, who took two contested marks and kicked the game's opening goal before an accidental head knock ended his game after just 20 minutes.
And Black has opened the VFL season in outstanding form for North Ballarat, kicking five goals against Bendigo last Saturday.
Scott conceded on Wednesday that if Daw (concussion) and fellow key forward Robbie Tarrant (leg) were available for North's clash against Hawthorn this Sunday, Hansen might be squeezed out.
"We've got to make that decision around what the best structure is and we've got to balance that with who we think are our best players," Scott said.
"So it's always that balancing act between structure and players in form, but what we know now is we've got key forwards and key defenders in form and that puts pressure on.
"So we'll make the decision that's best for the team."
Scott said Hansen's 2013 form had been "far from his best" but seemed to suggest the 24-year-old was often unfairly targeted by commentators and fans.
"Lachie now is in a position where he's under pressure for his place in the side," Scott said.
"Look we deal in the facts, we don't deal in public opinion or some criticism that some players come in for. We judge them on their performance.
"Now our great position is that up until now we haven't been in a position where we've had viable alternatives.
"But quite clearly now with Aaron Black and Majak Daw we do, so that puts all of our players under pressure."
Scott was "really hopeful" Daw and Tarrant would be available to take on the Hawks, but said a final decision on Daw's fitness would not be made until Thursday at the earliest, while Tarrant would only be selected if he could complete North's remaining training sessions.
Scott said North had learnt from its 115-point flogging by Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium in round 10 last season, but conceded the Roos still had a "lot of work to do to bridge that gap" at the MCG on Sunday.
Hawks spearhead Lance Franklin kicked a career-high 13 goals against the Roos last year in one of the outstanding individual performances of the season.
Scott said in-form defender Scott Thompson, who kept Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown goalless last week, would get the job on Franklin but would need help.
"It's going to take a really good effort from our defence and a really good effort from our midfield to restrict his supply," Scott said.
Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au.Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
