SYDNEY SWANS
It has been a relatively trouble-free build-up for the equal premiership favourites, outside of one man, Nick Malceski.
From the moment he was subbed out of the first quarter of the Swans' qualifying final victory over Fremantle with hamstring tightness, he has been the only injury concern for the club.
And with good reason.
Malceski finished first in the AFL for metres gained this season and all signs coming out of the club indicate he will play.
But it will be only 13 days since the injury when the Swans line-up against North Melbourne, an incredibly short time for any type of hamstring problem, and there is a chance he won't be risked.
If he doesn't make it to the starting line, the Swans have some options waiting in the wings.
Tom Mitchell was named best afield in the reserves' two-point loss to Aspley in the NEAFL Grand Final on Saturday for his 30 touches, 11 clearances, 10 tackles and a goal.
If they want a like-for-like replacement, young defender Shane Biggs could fit the bill.
Mitchell, Biggs and Dean Towers were all unfortunate to be dropped for the returning Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn and Craig Bird for week one of the finals.
Any of them would be ready if called upon.
NORTH MELBOURNE
North faces the prospect of heading into another cut-throat final without Brent Harvey, after the star veteran's bump on Geelong captain Joel Selwood last Friday night saw him offered a one-match ban by the Match Review Panel.
Harvey was returning from a three-match suspension against Geelong and North will challenge his latest ban at the Tribunal on Tuesday night.
But if the Roos are unsuccessful, Leigh Adams looms as Harvey's likely replacement.
Adams missed North's first two finals with concussion, but should be available for selection this week.
Defender Jamie Macmillan remains a chance to play against the Sydney Swans after the results of scans on his injured hamstring were more positive than North had anticipated.
The Roos are yet to rule out Lachie Hansen (hip) although the key defender seems a long-shot after playing just half a game in the past six weeks.
If Macmillan is ruled out, Ben Jacobs seems his most likely replacement ahead of Aaron Mullett.
However, the Roos could opt to replace him with key defender Joel Tippett given the Swans' wealth of tall forward targets led by Lance Franklin and Tippett's elder brother Kurt.
