EMERGING North Melbourne ruckman Braydon Preuss is mounting a strong argument to play alongside Todd Goldstein in round one, Kangaroos assistant coach Josh Drummond says.
Preuss continued his impressive pre-season with a strong performance in North's 21-point win over Hawthorn at Arden St Oval on Sunday, finishing with 27 hit-outs playing alongside the Roos' No.1 ruckman Goldstein (14 disposals, 18 hit-outs and one goal).
But it was Preuss' ability to provide a target in attack that most advanced his claims to be included in North's round one team.
The 206cm Queenslander kicked 3.1 in Sunday's game, troubling the Hawks' defenders with his size.
Although Goldstein has carried North's ruck division almost singlehandedly in recent seasons, Drummond said Preuss' form meant the Roos would have to consider playing two ruckmen in their season opener against West Coast.
"[Preuss] was really strong last week (against Sydney) taking the number one ruck mantle and today he and 'Goldy' sort of chopped and changed a little bit and he played a little bit up forward," Drummond said.
"But it's a great problem to have (with selection), that's what we want, that's what the pre-season's for, to give those young guys a chance and he's certainly one who's stepped up.
"They're both probably number one ruck types in terms of being genuine ruckmen, but as I said it gives us something to think about with the way he played up forward as well."
Preuss spent three years on North's rookie list before being elevated to the senior list at the end of last season.
He is yet to make his senior debut, but has shown steady improvement in his time at Arden St and this pre-season has worked hard to improve his aerobic base.
North midfielder Ryan Clarke came from the ground after a knock to his right thigh in the second quarter against the Hawks and did not return.
Drummond said Clarke had escaped with a corked leg.
"He's copped a knock and at this time of year it's just a no-risk approach," Drummond said.
North has had more than its share of injury problems this pre-season and forward Mason Wood was added to its list of players on the sidelines on Friday when he suffered a hamstring injury at training that is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks.
But North regained Goldstein (ankle), Robbie Tarrant (back), Scott Thompson (adductor) and Majak Daw (knee) for their first games of the season on Sunday.
And Drummond is confident North's list will be in good shape in time for the home and away season.
"It was probably more worrying a few weeks ago when there were a few more (on the injury list), but today we got a number back and guys like Ben Brown, Sam Wright, Aaron Mullett and Lachie Hansen are all tracking well to play (soon)," Drummond said.
"I think our list is starting to look healthier and healthier and today we sort of ticked that box and guys got through which is great.
"Mase is an unfortunate one because he's had a super pre-season and he's someone we've got high hopes for, but the next one steps up and hopefully he'll be back sooner rather than later."
Veteran forward Jarrad Waite was rested from Sunday's game, but is likely to play in North's final JLT game against Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Friday week.
