YARTAPUULTI will need to make at least two changes to its side for Saturday’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash with North Melbourne.

Defender Josh Sinn fractured his collarbone late in last Sunday’s win over Hawthorn and will need to be replaced in the line-up, while forward Charlie Dixon will be rested.

Captain Connor Rozee is available and expected to return to the side after missing two games with a minor hamstring strain.

Lachie Jones is also available having missed the same period with his own hamstring strain and could be a direct replacement for Sinn.

Last week’s tactical substitute Brandon Zerk-Thatcher could also come into the starting 22 in Sinn’s place.

There was no SANFL game at the weekend to enable other players to push their claims for inclusion but forward Francis Evans, ruck Jordon Sweet and winger/defender Tom Clurey were the AFL emergencies and likely next in line based on their form.

Sweet was forced out of the Round 9 trip to Geelong through illness and lost his place to Dante Visentini, and Dixon’s absence could see selectors consider going in with two rucks to replace him.

Young forward Ollie Lord booted two goals in the SANFL against North Adelaide before the bye in his first game of the season following a pre-season leg injury. Selectors have previously given him an opportunity to play when Dixon has not been available, though will factor in his limited match fitness given his lengthy injury absence.

If Yartapuulti opts to go smaller in the forward line, Evans or first-year player Tom Anastasopoulos would be in the mix for selection. Evans is averaging 15.5 disposals and a goal per game at SANFL level this year while Anastasopoulos has three goals in his six games and has impressed with his speed and defensive work.

Yartapuulti will name its side to face the Kangaroos on Thursday evening at 5:50pm ACST.

First bounce at Blundstone Arena in Hobart on Saturday is 1:45pm AEST / 1:15pm ACST.