Patchy form and waning fitness at North Melbourne will be addressed at the selection table ahead of Saturday's clash with Sydney, according to coach Brad Scott.
Scott believes that several of his players are starting to feel the pinch approaching the season's mid-point, and the strong form of the next-in-line mean that changes are inevitable.
"It's a combination of some players in really good form at VFL level and some players who probably look a little bit overdone at the moment and in need of a rest," said Scott.
"Levi Greenwood is available for selection and Ben McKinley and Cam Pedersen are in terrific form at VFL level and Cameron Richardson had it 34 times for North Ballarat."
"We've got a lot of options there - we've just got to pick the right mix."
"Ryan Bastinac will make his comeback in the VFL reserves this week, too."
"He's not available for senior selection yet, but he's back playing footy which is encouraging for him and encouraging for the club."
"We're starting to get some players filter back into our side."
Scott described Nathan Grima (finger) as being at least another week away and said the club was not prepared to take any risks with Sam Wright who missed last Saturday night's loss to the Lions at the Gabba with a shoulder injury.
He said that ruckman Todd Goldstein would be fit to take on the Swans despite copping a knock.
"Big Matthew Leuenberger kneed him right in the adductor muscle of his thigh," said Scott of Goldstein.
"He just got a bit of a cork, but he'll train again today and he'll be fine to play this week."
Scott, who stopped by the SCG on his way home from Brisbane to watch the Swans host the Hawks, said Sydney were better than the scores suggest.
"It's one of the best nine-goal defeats I've seen in a long time," he said.
"They're one of the most disciplined sides in the competition so we know exactly what we're going to get from them."
"Twice last year they were able to comprehensively beat us so ... it's a challenge we're really looking forward to."