For many North supporters, it couldn't have come early enough.
Finally the news they've been waiting to hear has come with Levi Greenwood set to make his long-awaited return after being named in the North Melbourne team to play Sydney on Saturday.
The 22 year-old has lined up for Werribee three times since severely spraining his ankle in the NAB Cup. Although he almost suffered another setback a fortnight ago, just one final training session stands between him and a run on Etihad Stadium.
The gritty midfielder's last senior appearance was one to remember. In the final round of 2010 he picked up 39 possessions in a performance that would not only guide his side to victory, but also earn him three Brownlow votes for the first time in his career.
While Greenwood is sure to add some much-needed grunt, the run and carry of Liam Anthony will also be welcomed.Dropped after the loss to Geelong, Anthony responded well in the VFL and improved his efficiency to earn best-on-ground honours.
As the travelling emergency last week, he'll be itching to get his hands on the footy against the Swans.
After experiencing a taste of senior football, exciting youngster Kieran Harper will be rested while Cruize Garlett could consider himself a little unlucky to be omitted after playing limited time as the substitute at the GABBA.
Cam Pedersen has been named as an emergency yet again after 8 goals in the seconds and joining him is the form Cam Richardson who had more than 30 touches last weekend for North Ballarat and Cruize Garlett.
North Melbourne
Backs J.MacMillan 34 M.Firrito 11 S.Thompson 16
Half Backs D.Pratt 30 L.Delaney 45 B.Rawlings 3
Centreline D.Wells 8 L.Greenwood 24 S.McMahon 42
Half Forwards L.Thomas 12 A.Edwards 27 B.Harvey 29
Forwards L.Hansen 6 D.Petrie 20 J.Ziebell 7
Followers T.Goldstein 22 A.Swallow 9 L.Adams 13
Interchange L.Anthony 4 B.Cunnington 10 S.Atley 18 B.Speight 46
Emergencies C.Richardson 21 C.Garlett 32 C.Pedersen 39
In: L.Anthony , L.Greenwood
Out: C.Garlett (Omitted) , K.Harper (Rested)
Sydney
Backs N.Malceski 9 T.Richards 25 A.Johnson 34
Half Backs T.Kennelly 17 H.Grundy 39 L.Johnston 23
Centreline R.Shaw 2 Ju.Bolton 24 N.Smith 40
Half Forwards B.McGlynn 21 L.Roberts-Thomson 30 JP.Kennedy 12
Forwards J.McVeigh 3 A.Goodes 37 R.O'Keefe 5
Followers M.Seaby 1 C.Bird 14 D.Hannebery 4
Interchange Lew.Jetta 32 M.Mattner 29 L.Parker 26 SB.Reid 20
Emergencies A.Everitt 13 J.Moore 33 J.White 18
In: M.Seaby , L.Johnston
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted) , S.Mumford (Knee)
New: L.Johnston
