North Melbourne appear spoilt for choice when it comes to ruckmen after Majak Daw stood tall in place of star Todd Goldstein in the side’s 70-point thumping of Richmond.

Just an hour before the first bounce at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Friday night the Kangaroos announced Goldstein wouldn’t be part of the fixture as he continued to recover from a knee injury suffered last round.

Despite his absence, the ladder-leaders romped home 18.16 (124) to to 7.12 (54).

Stand-in Daw booted a goal and finished with 19 hit outs and 10 disposals in a showing that impressed fill-in coach Darren Crocker.

“(Opponent) Shaun Hampson probably beat him from a pure ruck perspective with the hitouts but Maj’s ability to follow up and pressure, he really is like another midfielder in and around the contest,” the coach said.

“His ability to close down the opposition and put them under pressure (is) a real feature for such a big man.”

With Goldstein due back for the next round against Geelong, Kangaroos management face a serious decision about where Daw could fit in the permanent line up.

“Whether you could go with Goldy and Maj as well as (Ben Brown) is probably still the question to be answered,” Crocker said.

“We might have to discuss that one at match committee.”

Aside from the intra-club battle of the big men, veteran Roo Daniel Wells is also shining bright as he nears the end of his contract.

The midfielder’s versatility impressed on Friday when he finished with 30 disposals, five clearances and three goals.

“He has added another dimension to us this year,” Crocker said of the 31-year-old.

“He adds a real touch of class and polish and agility around the contest.

“To have 30 touches and kick three really dynamic goals is testament to the player he is.”

While head coach Brad Scott was absent for Friday’s game due to a virus which saw him hospitalised on Thursday, Crocker said he watched the game and was in contact with team staff throughout the contest.