It's not going to be easy though with finals contenders Fremantle and St Kilda standing in the way, as well as the reinvigorated Tigers no easy beats.
This week there'll be much focus around the all-important match committee meeting at Aegis Park and with plenty of depth to choose from, there's sure to be some disappointed players come 5pm on Thursday.
So who will be selected? kangaroos.com.au looks at the players on the cusp.
Have your say on who should come into the side in the comments field below.
Leigh Adams
Last week: Did not play (knee)
Hard at it and a proven ball winner, Adams could also prove handy around goal. He had 26 touches the last time the sides met.
Liam Anthony
Last game: 34 possessions for North Ballarat
Capable of winning plenty of the ball in a short period of time, Anthony has been used well as a substitute and could be in the mix for a similar role.
Luke Delaney
Last game: 13 possessions, four spoils for North Ballarat
Delaney continues to do everything right at VFL level with only the Kangaroos' defensive depth keeping him out.
Nathan Grima
Last game: 16 possessions, five rebound 50's for Werribee
He didn't have massive numbers a fortnight ago, but Grima was one of the most influential Werribee players when the game was in the balance. Another who's suffered from the club's plethora of defensive options.
Lachlan Hansen
Last week: Did not play (illness)
Hansen was a late withdrawal against the Hawks and will surely come under strong consideration for a recall. He's played some of his best football this year as a defender.
Jamie Macmillan
Last game: 17 possessions, eight rebound 50's for Werribee
Run from defence was something North Melbourne seemed to lack against the Hawks and Macmillan could be the man to add it this week. He was solid for the Tigers against Bendigo in the VFL with his composure in defence.
Hamish McIntosh
Last game: 15 possessions, 31 hit-outs for Werribee
McIntosh has slowly worked back to full fitness and could be brought in to help Todd Goldstein battle Aaron Sandilands.
Ben McKinley
Last game: 15 possessions, nine marks, five goals for Werribee
He's been a regular goal-kicker at Werribee, but it was always going to be tough to break into a forward line with Aaron Edwards, Cameron Pedersen and Drew Petrie all doing the job. Both Edwards and Pedersen were quiet against the Hawks, so another chance for McKinley isn’t out of the question.
Aaron Mullett
Last game: 28 possessions, four tackles
The skilful left-footer couldn't have been more impressive in his first year at the club. The coach has already praised Mullett in his weekly press conferences and following a 28-possession effort on the weekend, he'll be in the mix.
Daniel Pratt
Last game: 30 possessions, ten marks
Pratt's done everything right since his return against Box Hill and a best-afield performance against Frankston could see him back in. Tough at the contest, his experience may be important in such a vital match.
Ben Ross
Last game: 25 possessions, nine inside 50's
The most impressive thing about Ross' best-on-ground performance a fortnight ago was his ability to break from a pack and deliver inside 50. It's been an up-and-down year for the midfielder, but now may be his chance.
Ben Warren
Last game: 14 possessions, eight marks
One of North Melbourne's hardest workers, he is one player who always gives a contest. He's only played three games this year, but Warren could be a wildcard to take the focus off Drew Petrie.
