NORTH Melbourne is confident that premium run-with midfielder Ben Jacobs isn’t facing a prolonged period on the sidelines despite being a late withdrawal from the side for the second week on the trot.
Jacobs was pulled out from the side that would lose to Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday because of lingering effects from a concussion suffered three weeks ago.
BOMBERS HANG ON Full match coverage and stats
"It’s a concern because he hasn't played for a couple of weeks, but we’re not concerned with the medium or long-term ramifications," coach Brad Scott said on Sunday.
"We had to put our side in on Thursday and we picked (him) because he trained and felt pretty good, but the doctors told me I could name him but if he wasn't 100 per cent fit he wouldn't play.
"We gave him right up until the last minute but he had some symptoms, albeit minor."
'STATE OF THE GAME' IS OK Five talking points
Scott said the 26-year-old was trending nicely in terms of his recovery, but not enough to be cleared to play.
The Kangas will also be without forward Mason Wood for the next little while after he suffered a hamstring injury against the Bombers.
WATCH Brad Scott's full post-match media conference
