North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein is no certainty to return for the Kangaroos' key AFL clash against Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Goldstein missed last week's big win over Richmond after copping a knock to his left knee in the Roos' loss to Sydney the week before.

Coach Brad Scott said the All Australian ruckman will need to prove his fitness at training this week to take his place in the highly-anticipated encounter between ladder leaders North and the third-placed Cats, who will be without suspended forward Tom Hawkins.