KEY DEFENDER Lachie Hansen is unlikely to play any part in North Melbourne's finals campaign.
The 197cm backman lasted only a half in his comeback from a hip injury last round against Melbourne and is facing an uphill battle to play again this season.
"It will be a challenge for him to get up, no doubt," Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said on Friday.
Match preview: North Melbourne v Essendon
"We rolled the dice last week trying to get him up. The decision to leave him out this week was pretty clear cut.
"So he'll continue his rehab, he'll continue to train and try and get himself up for what potentially lies ahead but it's going to be a challenge for him from this point."
The Roos will also be without suspended veteran Brent Harvey and Leigh Adams in their elimination final against Essendon on Saturday night.
Adams was another casualty against the Demons after a heavy marking collision in the third quarter left him concussed and unable to play any further part in the match.
Adams was still battling headaches and was having trouble with his balance on Thursday and wasn't considered for the elimination final.
"Not close at all," Scott said.
"Sometimes concussion can be a little bit of a grey area.
"All the scans come back clear, but he still had a headache yesterday. If he had a headache yesterday and he was feeling a little bit off-balance he just gets ruled out.
"So it wasn't even a discussion at match committee, the doctors ruled him out early."
