Whitford has not played since round 12 against Launceston, spending two months on the sidelines learning the coaching trade and recovering from a nasty ankle injury.

Couch said bringing the 25-year-old back through the development league first was never considered and that Whitford has had a fortnight of solid track work in preparation.

“He’ll play three quarters and we’re looking at playing him deep forward and up on the wing where he’s got straight-line running and there’s not as much agility required,” he said.

“He’s got two games to get ready for finals.”

Whitford and forward Karlton Wadley have replaced Casey Curtis and Mitchell Donnelly for the Dockers encounter.

North dismantled Clarence in their last outing two weeks ago to all but secure the minor premiership and Couch is hoping for continual improvement following last week’s bye.

“The last three weeks have been really positive… it’s great to have Taylor back but we just can’t rely on the captain coming back, the boys have got to keep playing their role,” Couch said.

Couch said 2017 Lefroy Medallist Jay Lockhart has been given the all-clear by a Hobart-based sports doctor to resume training on Saturday after tearing his medial ligament.

He also confirmed that Connor Pearton has suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring strain, while Jock White will return via the twos and Arion Richter-Salter and Tyran Mansell would line-up against Launceston next week.

The Northern Bombers defeated the Dockers by 127 points in Launceston in round 6 and by three goals on the return leg at West Park in July. Burnie has made one change with Brad Rubock coming in for Blair Rubock.

CLARENCE will look to bounce back against Lauderdale at Bellerive Oval.

The second-placed Kangaroos have defeated the Southern Bombers on two occasions this year and welcome back coach Jeromey Webberley, Jack Gleeson and Aiden Grace for the third instalment.

TIGERS host Glenorchy in the other match.