NORTH Melbourne's chances of upsetting top-four contender Brisbane have taken a blow with key defender Robbie Tarrant pulling out of the Metricon Stadium clash with a calf problem. 

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Young tall Tristan Xerri comes in for the big backman, who has played every game this season. 

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Match Previews R12: North v Brisbane

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Kangaroos and Lions at Metricon Stadium

Published on Aug 15, 2020

The Kangaroos have now made seven changes in total from the side that lost to Melbourne by 57 points, with winger Jared Polec being dropped for the second time in a month. 

ROUNDS 12-18 Check out the full fixture

Jasper Pittard, Aaron Hall and Majak Daw have all been omitted, with Marley Williams and Mason Wood among the inclusions. 

The Lions will be aiming for their fifth win from their past six games, with their only blemish in that time a 41-point loss to reigning premier Richmond.