North Melbourne have made three changes with young forward Kayne Turner succumbing to a knee injury alongside Lachie Hansen and Jed Anderson who have both been omitted for the clash. Former skipper Andrew Swallow has been recalled to the side in addition to Majak Daw and Jamie Macmillan.
In defence the Roos are led by Robbie Tarrant who has the ability to not only shut down opposing key forwards, but also impact with his intercept marking. Tarrant’s presence in aerial battles is a feature and must be nullified.
Shaun Atley and Macmillan provide the dash from defence and often drive them into attack. Atley’s pace and willingness to break the lines makes him a constant threat. Macmillan is back into the side and provides a presence with his leadership.
Throughout the midfield the Roos are strong at the contest with Jack Ziebell and Ben Cunnington both critical to their ability to gain ascendancy around stoppages. The pair is ably supported by ruckman Todd Goldstein who at his best acts as an extra on-baller with his work around the ground.
Sam Gibson is a consistent wingman that is often crucial in transitioning the ball between defence and attack, with his endurance being a standout.
Shaun Higgins has pushed into the midfield throughout 2017 and can hurt opposition teams with his polish on the outside. Higgins may alternate between the midfield and forward line which makes him one to watch.
In the forward line Ben Brown is having a strong season with his marking and accuracy in front of goal a feature. Brown plays alongside fellow key forward Jarrad Waite who is always dangerous with his aerial presence a real strength.
Mason Wood is an emerging option up forward with his ability to not only work up the field but also impact at ground level being vitally important.
Below is how the Roos are named to line up tomorrow night against the Dogs:
FB: | 2. Marley Williams | 25. Robbie Tarrant | 17. Aaron Mullett |
HB: | 18. Shaun Atley | 16. Scott Thompson | 11. Luke McDonald |
C: | 43. Sam Gibson | 10. Ben Cunnington | 13. Ryan Clarke |
HF: | 8. Nathan Hrovat | 30. Jarrad Waite | 27. Taylor Garner |
FF: | 32. Mason Wood | 50. Ben Brown | 4. Shaun Higgins |
Foll: | 22. Todd Goldstein | 7. Jack Ziebell | 14. Trent Dumont |
I/C: | 34. Jamie Macmillan | 9. Andrew Swallow | 42. Declan Mountford |
| 38. Majak Daw |
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IN: Andrew Swallow, Jamie Macmillan, Majak Daw
OUT: Kayne Turner (knee), Lachie Hansen, Jed Anderson