North Melbourne have been forced to rule young midfielder George Wardlaw out of this weekend's clash with Richmond due to delayed concussion symptoms.
The former Pick 4 draft selection returned from concussion protocols in Round 18 after missing two matches due to a head knock sustained at training, with the hard-nosed onballer now set to miss another match due to a similar concern.
Coach Alastair Clarkson confirmed the news on Thursday as the Roos prepare for a 17th vs 18th affair against the Tigers at Marvel Stadium this weekend.
The Kangaroos had five players required to undergo fitness tests this week and could make a handful of changes to the side that fell to Geelong last week as Wardlaw makes way.
Clarkson is expecting to have tall pair Charlie Comben (groin) and Aidan Cor (ankle) available after a promising week on the track, with the duo to be named at Thursday night's selection before undergoing further assessment.
"We were a bit bashed up after last week's game," Clarkson told media.
"They were both able to do what we wanted them to do today. They'll be selected tonight, we'll just see how they pull up in the morning.
"[Wardlaw has] reported some symptoms of delayed concussion so unfortunately we've had to rule him out of the team."
Defensive duo Zac Fisher and Colby McKercher also need to be given the green light to return from foot and soreness issues respectively, with the former unable to return to full fitness in time for Round 21.
Fisher won't be named to face the Tigers due to the foot injury that has hampered the second half of his season, while McKercher is in a more promising position after having last week off due to general soreness.
"Zac Fisher's still a little bit sore with the plantar fascia injury so he won't play, but he's progressing okay. They don't go away quickly," Clarkson added.
"Colby McKercher's trained for the full week so we're hopeful he'll play. We'll just see how he pulls up."
Forward Eddie Ford (ankle) is another who is hoping to return from injury, while the likes of Toby Pink, Kallan Dawson, Hugh Greenwood and Wil Dawson may also be in the mix due to potential forced changes.
The loser of Saturday's contest will be placed last on the ladder with three rounds remaining in the 2024 season.
