It's mixed news for North Melbourne on the injury front, following yet another last final quarter fade out on the weekend.
In-form midfielder Shaun Higgins, who was a late withdrawal due to hamstring tightness, will return for this weekend's clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
"He was touch and go last week and presented well the day before the game. The decision was ultimately made not to take any risk with him," Kangaroos senior performance consultant Steve Saunders told the club's website.
"We're very confident he will line up on Saturday night."
However, captain Jack Ziebell (knee), ruckman Todd Goldstein (ankle) and forward Ben Brown (knee) are all in doubt for this week's match and will face fitness tests during the week.
Meanwhile, youngster Ben McKay will be sidelined for up to three weeks with a hip injury.
"Ben has had a gradual onset of symptoms related to the bilateral hip surgery he had in the pre-season," Saunders said.
"He will need a few weeks to allow the inflammation to settle and to improve his strength sufficiently in that area. Our focus is on ensuring he can have a solid and sustained run at playing when he returns."
