The Roos coach has almost a full list to choose from when submitting his squad on Thursday with only Levi Greenwood, Cruize Garlett and Ed Lower out of contention due to injury.
kangaroos.com.au looks the players who could debut and those who will be desperate for more game time in 2010.
Leigh Adams - view profile
The former Vic Metro captain was a revelation in the latter part of 2009 proving he could be dangerous around goal as well as in the midfield. He has been a regular for the Kangaroos throughout the 2010 pre-season and will be unlucky to miss selection.
Ryan Bastinac - view profile
It came as no surprise to those at North Melbourne when Bastinac showed he could step straight into the midfield against established AFL players. Against Fremantle in the NAB Cup, the 18 year-old didn't look out of place and has been the pick of the draftees so far with his ball winning ability. Brad Scott has already declared that Bastinac will be right in the mix for his debut.
Matt Campbell - view profile
The exciting small forward had his 2009 season ruined by regular hamstring injuries but looks back to full fitness after a strong pre-season. He was terrific in the Kangaroos’ wins over Geelong and Hawthorn.
Ben Cunnington - view profile
North's first pick in the 2009 National Draft, Cunnington has had an interrupted pre-season but has played the last two practice matches at VFL level. Overcoming a hot-spot in his right foot, the tough and uncompromising midfielder should get his chance but might be a little underdone for a call up this week.
Aaron Edwards - view profile
Had a tough time of it in 2009 with inconsistency and poor delivery from the midfield making it hard for the power forward to have a big impact. With a full pre-season under his belt and a fresh start under Brad Scott, Edwards will be looking to get back to some of his best form from 2007.
Corey Jones - view profile
Jones fell out of favour with coaching staff at the start of 2009 but worked hard to get back into the team and played nine of the last 11 games. He’ll have to battle with several similar type forwards for a spot, but has done everything right over the last six months and played well against the Cats before being rested against Fremantle. Jones was also impressive against Hawthorn in the NAB Challenge, throwing himself in at every contest.
Daniel Pratt - view profile
In any other season Pratt would be one of the first named in the squad but after being dropped in round 21 last year, the pressure is on the experienced defender to hit form in the early rounds. His leadership attributes will be important in defence with such an inexperienced group, and the Roos can always rely on the number 30 to hit the packs hard.
Ben Ross - view profile
Could this be the year for Ross to cement a spot in the 22? Now in his third year, the 21 year-old will be hoping to add to his 12 career game tally in round one. Ross always impresses with his ability to break the lines and has had a consistent pre-season, but will face a tough battle against a raft of other young midfielders waiting in the wings.
Josh Smith - view profile
Smith spent much of the grueling summer months on the sidelines with a groin injury. He returned to the team against the Hawks in the NAB Challenge and showed some good signs against former teammate Josh Gibson, pulling down several strong marks and having an impact in front of goal. With David Hale and Drew Petrie already making up a tall forward line, Smith will need to fire if given a chance in the early rounds. That chance could come with Petrie out suspended until round 3.
Robbie Tarrant - view profile
After spending the best part of two seasons on the sidelines with shoulder injuries, Tarrant has finally hit full fitness and is raring to go for the 2010 season. He made his senior debut against the Cats in an unfamiliar role down back and gave a solid performance against Fremantle. He was given the job on dangerous Hawk Lance Franklin in Ballarat and held him to three goals. The former forward could be the ideal replacement for Josh Gibson down back.
Ben Warren - view profile
Brings another dimension to the forward line with his ability to lead up outside 50 and provide space for Hale and Petrie. Warren was the standout during North’s its pre-season campaign despite coming back from a broken leg in 2009. He kicked four goals against the Cats to get his 2010 off to a flying start and followed up with another good effort against the Dockers and looks a certainty for round one.
Daniel Wells - view profile
It's been a frustrating nine months since he succumbed to injury in round 11 of 2009, but Wells' patience looks to have finally paid off with the midfielder getting through two games unscathed in the past fortnight. He played a half against the Hawks and booted three goals before extending his game time further in Narrandera in the loss to the Swans.
Sam Wright - view profile
Only injury restricted Wright from playing more matches in 2009 and he looks set to carve a niche in defence with his exquisite kicking skills and cool head under pressure clearly catching the eye of Brad Scott during the NAB Cup. Although still lightly framed, Wright has built up significantly over the pre-season and will only improve with experience.
Ben Speight - view profile
Speight has been a surprise packet so far with a marked improvement since he first came to the club. He finished last season on a high with a bag of goals in the VFL and has continued on with that form, making his senior debut against the Hawks in Ballarat. He was nominated as North Melbourne's eligible rookie to play AFL in 2010 and will be knocking on the door.
