Sheezel, Wardlaw showing the way for Kangaroos

Oliver CaffreyAAP
Camera IconNorth Melbourne youngster George Wardlaw will be given extra responsibilities against GWS in Hobart. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP

North Melbourne could hand more midfield time to exciting first-round draft picks George Wardlaw and Harry Sheezel in the absence of experienced onballers.

The Kangaroos host GWS at Hobart's Blundstone Arena on Sunday in a genuine chance to snap their 10-game losing streak.

North have been seriously competitive during the past three weeks as Brett Ratten has taken the caretaker coach reins in the absence of Alastair Clarkson.

They have had opportunities to beat Sydney and Essendon, but fell just short.

North head to the Tasmanian capital without co-captain Jy Simpkin and experienced midfielder Hugh Greenwood.

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But Wardlaw and Sheezel's performances have given the Kangaroos faithful plenty to be happy about during a tough period for the club.

"He hasn't surprised us," Ratten said about Wardlaw, three games into his AFL career.

"He doesn't need anybody to get the footy to him. He's the one that goes out and gets it.

"What George does really well is he gets a man. So if he doesn't win the ball, he's a very good tackler as well.

"We had to be very careful with George in the early part of the year," Ratten said.

"His body wasn't ready to play. We had to make sure he could get some continuity in his performance."

GWS secured a monumental win in Geelong against the Cats two weeks ago, but were brought crashing back down to earth with a home loss against Richmond last Sunday.

Giants coach Adam Kingsley has axed No.1 draft pick Aaron Cadman, while in-form forward Brent Daniels is injured and will miss the match.

In a boost for GWS' defence, All-Australian Nick Haynes will return after missing the last two weeks with a concussion.

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