North Melbourne are reportedly set to hand their final AFL list spot to former Crows forward Tom Lynch, with train-on player and ex-Demon Marty Hore to miss out on a career lifeline at Arden Street.
Lynch has linked up with the Kangaroos in a coaching role, however will feature on their playing list while also playing in their reserves.
The 31-year-old was delisted by Adelaide at the conclusion of last season after 164 games between stints with the Crows and St Kilda since 2010, returning to Victoria after gaining interest from the Roos.
According to AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich, North Melbourne are set to hand the veteran goalsneak their last remaining list spot for this year through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period.
That decision will mean Hore, who was cut by the Demons after a luckless past two seasons, won't be given a chance with the Roos before their season opener in March.
The former Melbourne defender joined David Noble's training program for the summer in hope of attaining a rookie list spot with the young side.
It is understood that the Kangaroos won't make an official call until closer to the closure of the SSP, which is scheduled for March 9.
The club will reportedly rely on Lynch's services at AFL level should their list be batted with injuries and COVID-related setbacks, with the league considering introducing a designated pool of top-up players.
Hore would fit the ideal personnel the AFL would be keen to add to the pool, which would be available to all 18 clubs should they require reinforcements.
Several AFL clubs are currently mulling over list calls ahead of the SSP's expiry, with Paddy McCartin (Sydney), Nathan Freeman (Gold Coast) and Dylan Clarke (Essendon) among those also training for a potential career lifeline.
Clubs who choose not to use remaining list spots can finalise their squads via the Mid-Season Rookie Draft on June 1.