Hugh McCluggage is set to return from injury alongside Harris Andrews as the bolstered Brisbane Lions prepare for a North Melbourne team in top gear.
All-Australian midfielder McCluggage (calf) left the ground in the first quarter of Opening Round and three-time All Australian Andrews was suspended in that loss to Western Bulldogs.
The Lions were 0-2 but have rebounded to 2-2 ahead of Saturday's Gather Round clash at Barossa Park.
Slow to recover, McCluggage has trained this week and is likely to return while Andrews' presence in defence after a three-game suspension will be a sight for sore eyes.
"Great communicators, great organisers and they just know what to do in any given circumstance," coach Chris Fagan said of the co-captains.
"You just feel a little bit better with them out there."
North Melbourne did everything but win their round nine clash in Hobart last year that finished in a draw.
Last weekend they surged late to beat Carlton and move to 3-1 after wins against Essendon and Port Adelaide, with a narrow loss in Perth to West Coast their only setback.
"We had a good lesson in that last year … should have lost that game," Fagan said of the danger the Kangaroos pose.
Fagan won four premierships alongside current North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson while the pair were at Hawthorn.
"I have a lot of respect for what they're doing; a tough hard unit and make you earn every kick," he said.
"I can see it's clear what he's trying to do, and they're getting there."
Fagan said Noah Answerth's return would be carefully managed, with the defender yet to return to full training after copping a heavy knock to the back of his head against St Kilda two weeks ago.
