North Melbourne have been forced to rethink their plans for Richmond gun Dustin Martin, with likely tagger Ben Jacobs ruled out after suffering another injury setback.
The luckless midfielder had been poised to return from a foot injury for Saturday night's clash at Etihad Stadium but has suffered a separate ankle complaint.
"He's just pulled up a little bit sore in his ankle, completely unrelated to his previous foot injury but he's a little bit sore nonetheless," coach Brad Scott said on Thursday.
"We've probably planned for him to be available for AFL selection this round but with his history, we just want to make sure that we're ultra-cautious.
"We won't pick him at AFL level, therefore we think it's just prudent to give him another week off and hopefully he'll be available for selection after (next week's) bye."
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The off-contract Martin continued his outstanding form in last week's Dreamtime at the 'G match, winning the Yiooken Award as best-afield during the Tigers' victory over Essendon.
Few teams have managed to curb the brilliant midfielder but the Roos will nonetheless give him plenty of attention, with Sam Gibson and Trent Dumont candidates for a potential run-with role.
"It's an option," Scott said.
"Dusty has been exceptional this year, that's clear for all to see. But I think the addition of (Josh) Caddy and (Dion) Prestia has given their midfield some more depth and versatility, so we'll just have to weigh all those things up.
"I think everyone's capable of being restricted to some level, but he's just such a powerful player that it's very difficult for one player to do that. We've got some powerful midfielders as well so it all makes for a pretty enthralling contest."
The Roos have again been unable to find room for exciting big man Braydon Preuss, opting instead to stick with ruckman Todd Goldstein and tall forward trio Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite and Mason Wood.
"I keep saying we're trying, and we are," Scott said.
"It's not through lack of trying. But the forward combination of Waite, Brown and Wood is still pretty strong for us, and Goldy's an All-Australian ruckman, so finding a spot for him is difficult. We'll keep working on it."
Scott said the 13th-placed Roos would need a strong showing from Goldstein, with Richmond counterpart Toby Nankervis in strong form since his off-season trade from Sydney.
North have won seven of their past eight clashes with fifth-placed Richmond but Scott said their record would count for little given both teams have made significant changes.
