The GIANTS take on the Kangaroos for the first time this season and with plenty of action off the field, we’ve been keeping a close eye on the news out of Arden St this week.
North Melbourne hit the headlines just before lunch on Wednesday when they dropped the bombshell that they would not be renewing the contracts of club legends Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Nick Dal Santo.
While many questioned the club’s “heartbreaking” decision as well as the timing of the announcement, coach Brad Scott said the time was right with the Kangaroos possibly playing in front of their home crowd for the final time in 2016.
"It's a heartbreaking decision and I can assure everyone it was a decision that wasn't taken lightly," Scott said on Wednesday.
"There have been on-going discussions with the boys involved and the decision was taken to move the announcement forward because we really feel that while we hope it's not, there's a possibility this weekend's game is our last in Melbourne.”
Kangaroos Chairman James Brayshaw denied suggestions Wednesday's announcement was a sign the club had written off its upcoming finals campaign, with the Kangaroos unable to move from eighth position on the ladder despite other results.
"We've got a final to play in two weeks’ time, and we've shown in recent years that we've got great ability once September comes around to be better than nuisance value," Brayshaw said.
"There's absolutely no writing off 2016.”
In on-field news; Ben Jacobs, Sam Wright and Scott Thompson have all been ruled out of the clash at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
NMFC.com.au looked at those who could be in the mix for a call up to take on the GIANTS this weekend.
Saturday could bring the much-anticipated comeback of Shaun Higgins. The 28-year-old’s most recent match was back in round seven against St Kilda, but a solid training block has him ready to come straight back into the AFL side if passed fit.
Robbie Nahas also kicked three goals and had 19 disposals in the VFL to again put his hand up for a recall.
With Thompson’s unavailability due to an adductor strain, the structure of North’s backline is up for debate.
The Kangaroos had arguably its tallest defensive setup for the season last round, adding Lachlan Hansen, Robbie Tarrant and Michael Firrito to Thompson’s presence.
After playing three quarters in the VFL last weekend, Luke McDonald is a chance to return to the AFL.
A debut may also be on the cards, with Ed Vickers-Willis coming off an impressive performance for Werribee, largely spent on Bulldog Jake Stringer.
In the midfield, Ryan Clarke responded to his first ever AFL omission with a 25-disposal, 10-tackle effort for Werribee on Sunday.
Mitch Hibberd was another who played well, collecting a season-high 34 disposals mostly playing as a wingman, while Declan Mountford continues to push for a debut.
The GIANTS take on North Melbourne for the first time this season on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium at 7.25pm.
