North Melbourne’s battle to make the top eight has been made even more challenging with another two key players added to its injury list. Lindsay Thomas sustained a knock to the knee at training last week and the outcome is worse than first thought. The energetic small-forward has been ruled out for a fortnight by the club’s medical staff.

Scott McMahon will miss two more weeks with knee complaint while the run of bad luck continues for Robbie Tarrant. The 21 year-old broke his thumb in the match against Richmond on Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for a month. Tarrant made his debut for the Kangaroos in round 15 and was showing some encouraging signs as a defender before he jarred his thumb.

Meanwhile ball magnet Liam Anthony has stepped up his recovery from a dislocated shoulder and could return in just three weeks.

Sam Wright (concussion) - test
Scott McMahon (knee) - 2 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (knee) - 2 weeks
Majak Daw (knee) - 2 weeks
Cruize Garlett (calf) 3 weeks
Liam Anthony (shoulder) - 3-4 weeks
Robbie Tarrant (thumb) - 4 weeks
Jack Ziebell (leg) - indefinite
Ben Ross (hip/groin) - indefinite
Aaron Black (hip) - indefinite
Drew Petrie (foot) - indefinite