North Melbourne’s Shaun Higgins and Robbie Tarrant are expected to overcome injury concerns ahead of Saturday night’s Round One clash with Adelaide.
Higgins had minor knee surgery following the Kangaroos’ opening NAB Challenge win over St Kilda, while Tarrant sat out the club’s final pre-season clash due to a back complaint.
North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein said the pair could’ve played last weekend if required and were on track to confront the Crows at Etihad Stadium.
"We've got two or three more training sessions to get through. Like all of us, they're hoping to get through all good," Goldstein said.
"They could have played last week. I think the strength and conditioning staff decided that one more week off just getting that strength up was best for them.
"I think they're ready to go and hopefully Thursday night they'll both be named."
Former Bulldog Higgins finished third in North's best and fairest count last season, while key defender Tarrant could be part of coach Brad Scott’s plans to try and quell Adelaide’s intimidating forward line headed by captain Taylor Walker.
Reigning best and fairest Goldstein is set to play his 150th game on Saturday night and is likely to go head-to-head with key Crow Sam Jacobs in a match-defining ruck duel.
