Step up: Nick Rippon will make his VFL senior debut this weekend.
NORTH Ballarat has the potential to spring a few selection surprises as it chases three wins in a row for the first time in the VFL this season.
The Selkirk Roosters have left open their options ahead of finalising their line-up for tomorrow’s encounter with Frankston at Eureka Stadium.
North Melbourne will trim its interchange after training today, but early indications are that Liam Anthony will be called up to replace Aaron Black.
While Black is in the Kangaroos’ extended squad, he has also been named on a half forward flank by North Ballarat – a strong indication he will be back in the VFL.
If Black does make the trip to Eureka Stadium, he will join Aaron Edwards in a potent attack.
Nick Rippon is the only confirmed change so far.
He replaces North Ballarat Rebels teammate Will Pomorin as 23rd player.
This will be Rippon’s VFL senior debut.
North Melbourne rookie Max Warren looks a chance to be called up by the Roosters, which have also added Paul McMahon, Oliver Tate, Chris Giampaolo and Sam Conroy to an expanded interchange.
It is difficult to assess whether any of these will be named.
McMahon is returning from a hamstring strain and there is a strong likelihood he will be given a run in the AFL Victoria D-league to find some fitness.
Tate must be close, but with at least 10 North Melbourne players on board it is difficult to see how the Roosters can fit the defender into a winning combination.
Derick Micallef and Matt Austin might be players to come under the microscope, with each named in both the senior and D-league teams.
Micallef played every game last year and has done the same so far this season.
Meanwhile, Nick Peters’ quadricep trouble in his kicking leg has finally been diagnosed as a torn tendon.
North Ballarat football manager Marg Richards said it was pleasing to know what the problem was and to learn that kicking would not make it any worse.
She said more would be known next week about how to manage the issue.
He is allowed to continue playing and will again line up in the D-league.
