ROBIN Nahas might be a wildcard at the selection table for North Ballarat's first appearance in VFL finals since 2011.
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Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said the North Melbourne-listed Nahas was eager to make his return from a shoulder injury in an elimination final against Werribee on Sunday.
Nahas told FitzGerald at Port Melbourne on Saturday that he was keen to resume.
While the former Richmond small forward would play if he had his way, FitzGerald said the call would be made by Kangaroos medical staff.
In his first season with North Melbourne, the ex-Port Melbourne star has not played since dislocating his right shoulder against Melbourne in round 14.
After a slow start, Nahas was just starting to establish himself in the North Melbourne attack with six games in a row.
Nahas would give North Ballarat added bite around goal even playing limited time.
FitzGerald said all he could say at the moment was that Nahas was in the mix.
The Selkirk Roosters will regain Nick Rippon (calf) and Ollie Tate (hamstring) for the knockout final at Port Melbourne.
FitzGerald said as long as each made it through the main training session on Wednesday night they would play.
Each was rested for North Ballarat's 109-point hiding at the hands of Port Melbourne.
FitzGerald said each probably would have played had the Roosters' finals hopes been on the line.
"With us safely in the (top) eight, and unable to get into the top four, it was a precautionary move. It was all about minimising risk," he said.
Rippon, who had played in all North Ballarat's previous 17 games for the season, had calf soreness.
FitzGerald said the physio staff had genuine concern so the call was made not to play him and risk further damage.
He said with Tate having a history with hamstring soreness and a safety-first approach had been taken.
North Ballarat is also factoring in the possible return of North Melbourne-listed defender Joel Tippett.
Tippett missed the Port Melbourne game with knee soreness.
He had played two VFL games since returning from a shoulder injury.
"He pulled up sore against Willy (Williamstown) with soreness behind the knee.
"It's a soft tissue issue, not structural."
FitzGerald said Tippett had pressed to play at the weekend before being ruled out.
david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au