Star Kangaroos midfielder Daniel Wells is set to play up to three-quarters in his VFL comeback with an eye on an AFL return next round.
Wells hasn't played since round five due to a troublesome foot injury with the Kangaroos resisting the urge to rush him straight back into their side to face Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Saturday.
He will instead line up for North Ballarat against Geelong on Sunday.
North coach Brad Scott says they didn't think Wells could handle a full AFL game in his first hit-out since April.
"We want 'Wellsy' back playing at his best and while his training form has been outstanding, the problem is the match simulation stuff at training goes for about 20 minutes," Scott said on Friday.
"We're not confident that we're going to get that for 120 minutes.
"A game in the VFL is the prudent thing to do, as much as it is tempting to bring him straight back."
The Kangaroos will blood youngster Kayne Turner against the Giants; the first player in five years to make his AFL debut while still at high school.
"Since we're travelling today we wrote him a note (to get out of school)," Scott joked.
"If there's a reason to miss school I think this is a pretty good one, but he's earned his spot."
The Kangaroos picked 18-year-old Turner, from Wodonga, in last year's AFL Rookie Draft, and Scott said he played way above his diminutive size.
"His attack on the footy is second-to-none," Scott said.
"You fear for him a little bit because of his light frame but his attack is unbelievable and he's a smart footballer as well.
"It sets a bit of an example to the rest of our list that we're after genuine competitors."
North are in sixth place heading into the Giants clash and recognise they must keep winning to keep their place in the looming finals.
Last round they were outclassed by Geelong by 32 points.
"Four games to go before the post season starts and all four will be really critical for shaping the finals," Scott said.
"We look at GWS's capability and they showed some really good signs against Richmond and Geelong and I think they're going to be a fantastic side in the years to come.
"We are going to have to be on our game but we're intent on going up there and getting the job done."
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