The Cats face one of their toughest challenges so far in 2016 as they take on the ladder-leading North Melbourne on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

Preliminary finalists the previous two seasons, North Melbourne is currently enjoying a three-match winning streak over the Cats dating back to the 2014 semi-final and the first swords this encounter will be drawn at the selection table.

In the Cats’ corner, Tom Hawkins is a confirmed out upon receiving a one-match suspension for striking.

For North Melbourne however, the focus this week has sat fairly and squarely on the status of Todd Goldstein.

The All-Australian ruckman has already expressed his desire to return to the side this week, having carried knee soreness into North Melbourne’s sole loss this season against Sydney; an injury which saw him withdrawn from the side at the last minute a week ago against Richmond in Tasmania.

In his absence, Majak Daw was more than capable of shouldering the majority of the ruck-load and acquitted himself very well – presenting a selection dilemma for the North Melbourne coaching staff.

Goldstein will be selected if fit – of that there is no doubt. But the question of whether Daw can co-exist with the Roos’ star ruckman is one that until this point has not been answered.

Defender Sam Wright has also been ruled out with an ankle injury, leaving the door open for the likes of Aaron Mullett to step up from the VFL.

Mullett was a member of the North Melbourne senior side just three weeks ago and enjoyed 30-disposals, eight marks and three tackles for Werribee last week.

If Brad Scott chooses to go with a taller option then the likes of Lachie Hansen or Joel Tippett are available for selection – though with Tom Hawkins no longer a part of the Geelong forward line, this seems unlikely.

Finally, midfielder Trent Dumont is another name in the mix and is highly rated at Arden Street. Named as best player for Werribee in their loss to Collingwood last week with 32 disposals, three marks and 10 tackles, he certainly put his hand up to be considered.

With two potential changes, here is how the Kangaroos’ are predicted to line up in round 12 against the Cats: