North Melbourne is set to be bolstered by the return of multiple experienced, key players this week as they prepare to take on Adelaide this Sunday, per afl.com.au.
Spearhead Cameron Zurhaar is likely to make his much-needed return this week, after being sidelined with a foot injury. While key defender Ben McKay is also likely to get back into action after completing concussion protocols after an incident against Gold Coast in Round 12.
Defender Aiden Bonar will likely take the field this weekend after being sidelined with a hamstring strain, but may find himself eased back into the game through the reserves side.
Mid-season draftee Kallan Dawson has also overcome a foot injury and is likely to make his debut for North this week, whether in the VFL or the senior side.
Former Port winger Jarad Polec is still unlikely to make his return after being sidelined with a foot injury. The 29-year-old has been out since April and is still yet to be given an exact return date, but is making progress in his recovery.
Skipper Jack Ziebell is also facing an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a facial fracture last week. The North veteran underwent surgery last week and is expected to be unavailable for selection for at least a month.
Defender Charlie Comben will continue to miss game time after sustaining a knee injury that required surgery, but is tipped to make a senior return some time this season.
While the luckless Roos have struggled on the injury front, they will also be without young duo Jason Horne-Francis and Lachie Young, who are both serving suspensions. Meanwhile, midfielder Tarryn Thomas is also unlikely to feature in senior selection after being dropped, due to on field form but also "for failing to meet team standards".
North Melbourne have currently won just one match for the year heading into Round 15, coming early in the season against the struggling West Coast.