The changes

North Melbourne has made two changes to its team ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, but may make a couple more as key players struggle with injury.

Lachlan Hansen and Robin Nahas come into the side for Ryan Clarke and Brad McKenzie, but key forward Ben Brown (knee) and defender Scott Thompson (adductor) are in doubt to play.

What to expect

The Kangaroos were one of the form teams in the competition in the first half of the season, but a combination of injuries and form have seen them fall from first to eighth on the ladder over the last two months.

They do however possess some high quality players and are good enough to match it with any side on their day.

Their midfield has a good combination of strength and speed, with Jack Ziebell, Daniel Wells, Ben Cunnington and skipper Andrew Swallow leading the way.

Todd Goldstein also looks to be getting back to somewhere near his best after appearing to be hampered by a knee injury earlier in the season.

Goldstein is arguably North Melbourne’s best player and his form will be crucial to the Kangaroos on Saturday.

Their defence has been solid this season with Robbie Tarrant having a career-best year at centre half back on some of the competition’s best key forwards and Jamie Macmillan has had an excellent last couple of games, providing run and carry off half back.

Players to watch

Daniel Wells has kept his body in good working order this season after playing just two games in 2015.

His pace and silky skills add another dimension to the Kangaroos’ midfield when he is up and running and after having 26 disposals last week against the Western Bulldogs, the Hawks will need to keep an eye on him.

The smooth-mover collected 30 disposals, 15 contested possessions and seven inside-50s against the Hawks in round 13.

Ben Brown is also proving an important focal point inside 50 for the Roos with the absence of Jarrad Waite, and has kicked 16 goals in the last seven weeks.