NORTH MELBOURNE is likely to be bolstered by the inclusion of key swingman Lachlan Hansen for Friday night’s clash with Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

Hansen was a late withdrawal from the North Melbourne side that was beaten by Brisbane last Saturday night with soreness.

A key player for coach Brad Scott’s side, Hansen took 10 marks in the last meeting between Hawthorn and North Melbourne in Round 22 last year when the Hawks defeated the Roos by 14 points at Etihad Stadium.

Hansen was one of his side’s best that night.

The 197cm agile big man can play at both ends of the ground but it is in his role in defence where his true value lies.

Hansen often zones off his man, or plays as a loose behind the ball to sit in front of the opposition’s best player.

He is extremely effective in that role, which allows him to take a number of marks off opposition boot or create a contest as third-man up.

Hansen plays smartly, with his ability to read the footy both in the air and on the ground when his team rebound from defence, often trusted with the link-up kick to one of his midfield teammates to set-up a Roo counterattack from half-back.

With Hawthorn boasting a number of key talls who are in form up forward – Jack Gunston and Jarryd Roughead – Hansen’s inclusion for the Roos is key because he can help out full back Scott Thompson.

The former number three draft pick has taken the most marks of any North Melbourne player this year, averaging 7.1 per game and is ranked in the top 10 across the league.

He is also ranked equal second for contested marks at his club.

Hansen averages 16.1 disposals per game this year.

Scott could also choose to recall defender Scott McMahon, who can play on both talls and smalls in defence.

He has been a steady performer for VFL side Werribee, one of North Melbourne’s VFL affiliates and was named first-best for them in their win over Coburg on Sunday with 14 possesions and five marks.