North Melbourne coach Brad Scott admits the time is fast approaching on when and how to recall forgotten ruckman Hamish McIntosh.

McIntosh has yet to add to his 99 senior matches so far in 2011 after a long time on the sidelines recovering from an achilles injury.

In his absence, 23-year-old Todd Goldstein has made the No.1 ruck post his own and was again impressive in Saturday's 45-point win over the Brisbane Lions.

McIntosh, 26, has been finding form and fitness in the VFL for the past month.

"We are conscious that Hamish is going to have to play really well in the VFL and run games out really well and strongly because there's a big jump up to AFL footy," Scott said.

"If you look at the AFL competition, there's only one side that's playing two genuine ruckmen and getting away with it on a regular basis.

"(Dean) Cox and (Nic) Naitanui are pretty unique players, they're almost two extra midfielders for West Coast."

North Melbourne's next opponents Carlton also regularly favour a ruck tandem in Robbie Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer, which could perhaps open the door for a McIntosh return.

"Even though Kreuzer is an extremely mobile ruckman, so is Todd Goldstein," said Scott.

Goldstein and young Lions ruck star Matthew Leuenberger went head-to-head throughout Saturday's clash at Etihad Stadium.

The Kangaroos' big man probably just took the honours, especially as he was able to push forward for a couple of late goals.

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