NORTH Melbourne will be without three important players for Friday night's blockbuster.
Skipper Andrew Swallow (concussion), star midfielder Ben Cunnington (quad) and key forward Jarrad Waite will all miss for the Roos, as will Robin Nahas (finger).
Into the side comes Farren Ray, Majak Daw, Trent Dumont and debutant Corey Wagner.
The Roos have been the best team over the first half of the 2016 season, sitting on top of the ladder with 10 wins and two losses in the first 12 rounds.
But they were dealt their second loss of the season last week by Geelong, and will be looking to rebound this week.
What to expect
The Kangaroos have been a model of consistency over the front half of 2016, with the evenness of their playing group a real highlight of their performances to date.
They like playing a tall forward line, with Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown stretching defences across the competition. Waite will miss this week, with Daw likely to slot into his role - although star ruckman Todd Goldstein could also spend more time in attack.
These three players have been quiet in recent weeks however, kicking just five goals between them in the past three rounds. Not surprisingly, the Kangaroos have won just one of these games, so the ladder leaders will want more out of their key forwards this week.
The Roos’ defence has also been a real asset this year, conceding the fifth lowest total score in the competition.
The development and continuity of Robbie Tarrant has taken some pressure off the likes of Scott Thompson, and Tarrant’s potential match up with Jack Gunston looms as an intriguing one.
Players to watch
Veteran Brent Harvey continues to defy his age to be playing arguably some of the best football of his career.
The 421-gamer has averaged 20.3 disposals and nearly two goals per game this season, and will still command close checking by the Hawks.
The return of another veteran - Daniel Wells - to the North Melbourne side this year has also been telling, with the silky smooth on-baller adding some class and pace to an already tough and experienced midfield group.
