Last year's grand finalists have rested four leading players ahead of Saturday's dead rubber round.
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Albury Morris medallist Chris Hyde will miss the home game against Myrtleford, while Wangaratta is without Mat Grossman, Mark Anderson and Ben Douthie for the away clash against Wodonga.
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The top five is almost certainly set heading into the final round, with North Albury needing to post the upset of the season at home to topple Wodonga Raiders' stranglehold on fifth spot.
In the event of that unlikely result, Wangaratta Rovers and Yarrawonga would battle for the only remaining berth.
Rovers host Yarrawonga, while in the other game, Lavington is home to Corowa-Rutherglen.
Albury and Wangaratta aren't the only teams with high profile changes.
Myrtleford veteran Brad Murray returns after battling a groin complaint for a month.
The 37-year-old played in the reserves against Lavington last week in a bid to regain some match fitness.
The Saints have lost some class though with gritty defender Nathan Laracy and spring-heeled ruckman Tom McDonagh out with injury.
McDonagh was forced off with an ankle complaint in the third term.
There's fewer changes for the other two teams currently in the top five.
Lavington's Jack Kirley will miss the game after suffering concussion against the Saints.
In an interesting aside, Panthers' veterans Adam Butler and Matt Pendergast haven't been named in either seniors or reserves as they look to overcome injury and regain their place in the finals.
As minor premiers, Lavington won't play after Saturday until the grand final qualifier on September 7.
Raiders have two changes with Shane Munro's return to defence, while Cooper Smith will make his debut.
Meanwhile, North will have two debutants in Oscar Ramsden and Will Maclean.
In other selection news, Rovers have made four changes, with classy forward Matt Medcraft dropped to reserves, while Tristan Lenaz re-injured his leg in the loss to Wangaratta.
Yarrawonga also has a first gamer in Joe Gorman.
Brothers Matt and Will Gorman, who aren't related to the newcomer, are injured.
Given there's little on offer for the top five teams, it will be interesting to see what attitude they adopt, given the real action starts the following weekend.
