Jarryd Roughead is set to play his first game of the year against North Melbourne on Sunday.

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The Hawks' forward sat out his side's opening NAB Challenge loss to the Magpies due to a 'slight strain', but says he's now ready to go.

"I could have played on Thursday, but it is only February," Roughead told the media in Tasmania.

"I'll probably play the next two. I'm sick of running laps around the oval, so to finally hit some other bodies will be a good thing."

Roughead was influential when the teams last met in Round 16, 2014, booting two goals to go with 19 disposals.

An inexperienced Hawthorn side had a disappointing start to their campaign on Thursday, falling by 44 points.

But North can expect a more seasoned opposition in Shepparton.

"That's the biggest thing the coaches have to work out (team balance) because there's such a long break between games," Roughead said.

"I'd say over those couple of weeks before round one we'll try and play our round one side."