Jack Ziebell remains hopeful of taking on Gold Coast on Saturday night, a clash when North Melbourne will be looking to their captain to help cover the loss of suspended midfield star Ben Cunnington.

Ziebell injured his right shoulder early in the fourth quarter of North's loss to the Western Bulldogs last Saturday night, but returned to the ground after having it strapped and played the remainder of the game.

North coach Brad Scott said after the match the initial diagnosis of Ziebell's shoulder suggested he "should be fine", noting the midfielder's ability to come back on the ground and take a strong overhead mark reinforced that expectation.

Ziebell is understood to have pulled up sore from the Bulldogs game, but has five days to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday night's match at Metricon Stadium.

On Tuesday morning, Cunnington was ruled out of the Gold Coast clash when he accepted a one-game ban for striking Bulldog Toby McLean. 

Cunnington is the Roos' leading clearance and contested ball winner this year, and Ziebell, who is ranked second at the club in both categories, is best placed to pick up the slack.

Meanwhile, North's injury list is set to shrink this weekend. 

Sam Durdin (concussion) is expected to return in the VFL, Jy Simpkin (AC joint) and Ben Jacobs (lower leg) could join him, while Lindsay Thomas will also play at some level after serving a one-match suspension. 

Sam Wright (foot) and Corey Wagner (ankle) will also play for Werribee after pulling up well from their return games in the VFL last weekend.