Dean Laidley could be forced to make several changes after key players sustained injuries in the clash against St Kilda on Saturday.
Daniel Wells (groin) and Sam Power (concussion) both face tests, while the Roos will miss the run of youngsters Ben Warren (cheekbone) and Sam Wright (knee).
Today kangaroos.com.au looks at all the possible inclusions for this week's match and their recent VFL form.
Leigh Adams - player profile
Looks to be an outside chance after just resuming from a knee injury with the Werribee reserves. He was in strong form before the initial injury and should be straight back into the Tigers' senior side this week.
Last week: 29 possessions, 7 marks, 4 clearances for Werribee reserves
Liam Anthony - player profile
After 26 possessions in the North Ballarat reserves two weeks ago after just 60% game time, Anthony stepped up to the seniors and looked very comfortable despite lacking match practice after stress fractures early in the season. He can't be too far away from a debut for North Melbourne after such an impressive pre-season.
Last week: 15 possessions, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50's, 7 tackles for North Ballarat
Warren Benjamin - player profile
Warren still looks to be a while away from a debut for North Melbourne after being demoted the Roosters' reserves side last week. He should get a recall to the seniors this week after a much improved performance.
Last week: 15 possessions, 5 marks for North Ballarat reserves
Todd Goldstein - player profile
He had perhaps his best performance for Werribee of the season last week. Todd relished the opportunity to play four quarters of football and beat Melbourne's Jake Spencer at the stoppages and around the ground. Only North Melbourne's already strong ruck brigade will keep him out of the side.
Last week: 12 possessions, 5 marks, 24 hit-outs, 2 goals for Werribee
Levi Greenwood - player profile
Greenwood can be excused for a quiet performance for the Tigers in their loss to Casey. He never stopped working, but didn't have the same amount of the football as in other games this season. Levi is still in consideration after some encouraging performances at AFL level.
Last week: 11 possessions, 2 marks, 2 tackles, 2 spoils for Werribee
Lachlan Hansen - player profile
Hansen wasn't helped by a strong Scorpions forward line that included Demons' Brad Miller, Michael Newton and Ricky Petterd. However he held his own in defence, getting through the game unscathed for the second week in a row. After such strong form for North Melbourne early in the season before a hamstring injury, he mustn't be far from a return.
Last week: 15 possessions and 8 marks for Werribee
Daniel Harris - player profile
Harris could add some much needed toughness in the middle and was once again dominant in the clearances for Werribee with six for the match. He continues to perform at VFL level when not in the Kangaroo side, and should get another chance in the coming weeks.
Last week: 24 possessions, 6 clearances and 6 tackles for Werribee
Corey Jones - player profile
For the first time in six weeks Jones was unable to feature in the best players for North Ballarat. Despite that, he still had plenty of the ball and his recent dominant form in the VFL could earn him a recall with Warren and Wright missing from the forward line.
Last week: 14 possessions, 3 clearances, 1 goal for North Ballarat
Nathan O'Keefe - player profile
O’Keefe looks doubtful of playing at all after sustaining an ankle injury playing for Werribee reserves last week. The young draftee will be disappointed as he didn't look far away from a call-up to the Tigers' senior line-up.
Last week: 5 possessions, 2 marks, 1 goal for Werribee reserves
Matt Riggio - player profile
Riggio will miss this week's game after being suspended for striking in Werribee's loss. He has been in consistent form for the Tigers in recent weeks with his defensive pressure a highlight.
Last week: 19 possessions, 4 marks, 2 clearances and 3 tackles for Werribee
Josh Smith - player profile
Smith didn't have his best game last week after a good month. He still managed two goals for the game and could add another dimension to the North forward line with the loss of youngsters Wright and Warren.
Last week: 9 possessions, 5 marks, 2 goals for North Ballarat
Shannon Watt - player profile
The veteran defender worked extremely hard in North Ballarat's win over Coburg, illustrated by 10 one per centers on the stat sheet. His versatility means his chances of a recall won’t be harmed.
Last week: 13 possessions, 6 marks, 10 one percenters for North Ballarat
Michael Wundke - player profile
Wundke was the stand-out performer of North Melbourne's VFL aligned players last week. He kicked five goals in the Rooster's win and was a potent target up forward with 11 marks, seven of them inside the 50. He’s had his best matches of the seasons in the past two weeks and can't be too far from a debut.
Last week: 15 possessions, 11 marks, 3 tackles, 5 goals for North Ballarat
Rookies (must be promoted to senior list to be eligible to play)
Cruize Garlett - player profile
Cruize has to be the favourite for a promotion to the North Melbourne list after averaging over 20 possessions a game since his return from an ankle injury. His ability to clear the ball from the centre has become a feature of his game and he had another six against the Scorpions.
Last week: 23 possessions, 6 clearances, 5 tackles for North Ballarat
Conor Meredith - player profile
The Irishman was unlucky to be dropped to the Werribee reserves last week. After a positive start, he was forced from the ground with groin soreness. Conor will face a tough battle to prove his fitness for this week's match and has improved with every game.
Last week: 10 possessions, 4 marks, 2 blocks for Werribee reserves
Alan Obst - player profile
Obst’s form had dropped off slightly after a great start to the season, but he was back to his best last week with stints in defence, up forward and through the midfield. He had plenty of the ball, and worked hard all day.
Last week: 23 possessions, 8 marks, 6 hit-outs, 3 clearances for Werribee
Benjamin Speight - player profile
Speight put in a much improved performance for Werribee in his second week with the seniors. Although spending time on the interchange, he was solid in his stints through the midfield and up forward.
Last week: 8 possessions, 5 marks, 1 goal for Werribee
Marcus White - player profile
White has become a regular in the North Ballarat midfield and has been consistent all season with his ball winning ability. He pumped the ball inside 50 on six occasions and threw himself in at the contested footy every time he had the chance.
Last week: 16 possessions, 3 clearances, 6 inside 50's for North Ballarat
