North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has been forced to make one change heading into the big Friday Night clash with Carlton.
Tall-forward David Hale has been sidelined with a back injury leaving the door open for a return for Ben Warren.
Drafted from the Zillmere Eagles in Queensland in 2006, Warren played seven consecutive games this year before losing his spot due to a drop off in form.
The 21 year-old has kicked 8 goals and should relish the chance to roam in an open forward line at Etihad Stadium.
With Drew Petrie and Hale out with injury, Lachlan Hansen will be the main focus for the Blues’ defenders.
Hansen burst onto the scene up forward during last week’s match against Brisbane taking nine marks and kicking two goals.
It’s the first time Scott has gone with a smaller forward line and more responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas.
Thomas has had 18 shots on goal in his last three games and is looking ever dangerous in front of goal while Campbell continues to grow in confidence since coming back from an ankle injury.
Tickets are selling fast to North’s first and only Friday night match of the year.
Backs: M.Firrito 11 S.Thompson 16 B.Rawlings 3
Half Backs: S.McMahon 42 N.Grima 17 D.Pratt 30
Centreline: J.Ziebell 7 C.Garlett 32 R.Bastinac 28
Half Forwards: B.Cunnington 10 L.Hansen 6 B.Harvey 29
Forwards: D.Wells 8 T.Goldstein 22 L.Thomas 12
Followers: H.McIntosh 1 A.Swallow 9 L.Greenwood 24
Interchange: E.Lower 2 M.Campbell 33 B.Warren 5 S.Wright 19
Emergencies: N.O'Keefe 23 G.Urquhart 14 A.Edwards 27
In: B.Warren
Out: D.Hale (back)
