Injury clouds over key Cats, second half fade-outs and a lack of potency up forward means all of a sudden there are plenty of spots up for grabs in the Cats side to take on North Melbourne this Friday night. We look at the contenders.
 
Mitch Brown
The Cats lacked a bit of potency against the Hawks finishing with the lowest score of the opening round of the finals. With Hawkins, Walker and Brown in the final round the Cats kicked their highest score of the season. Would Brown provide another avenue to goal for the Cats freeing up Hawkins?
 
Lincoln McCarthy
Many said McCarthy was unlucky to be dropped after an eye-catching performance against the Lions in round 23. His energy is huge and although yet to kick a major at AFL level, his VFL performances show he has no problems converting. An interesting option for the Cats this week.
 
Jed Bews
The Cats will know they have Bews ready to come in and play a shut down small forward role should they need it. North runs plenty of smalls through their forward line so the chance for Bews to make his finals debut is certainly there.
 
Allen Christensen
The Cats will be crossing their fingers Allen Christensen overcomes his back soreness by Friday night. Christensen was sorely missed against the Hawks and his last match against North Melbourne saw him cause headaches galore and had he been more accurate could have finished with four goals.
 
Brad Hartman
Could Hartman’s fairytale rise in 2014 be completed with a spot in the semi-final final side? Tough and hard running, Hartman can be relied upon to move from end to end and win the contest, something North’s midfielders are capable of.
 
Shane Kersten
Shane Kersten has now overcome his hamstring issue and will be putting his hand up to take on North Melbourne. Much like Brown, Kersten may provide that additional forward target the Cats require.