Scott McMahon also returns to the side after a layoff. Absent since Round 4, the defender’s two games for Werribee have been deemed enough for a senior return. A cool head, McMahon will be welcomed with open arms with North’s backline under siege at times in recent weeks.

As mentioned by Brad Scott on Wednesday, Sam Gibson will make his debut. Named on the interchange bench, Gibson gives the midfield another strong endurance runner to help finish the game strongly.

Robbie Tarrant has been rewarded for a quality performance for Werribee in the Foxtel Cup with a promotion for his fourth game of the season. With both Delaney brothers omitted, Tarrant could find himself lining up at either end of the ground depending on matchups.

Despite amassing 15 possessions against Hawthorn after starting as the sub, Cruize Garlett has been omitted. Aaron Edwards has also suffered the same fate after only three goals in his last four matches.

B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Shaun Atley, Nathan Grima, Jamie Macmillan
C: Ryan Bastinac, Daniel Wells, Levi Greenwood
HF: Brent Harvey, Robbie Tarrant, Leigh Adams
F: Aaron Black, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int: Ben Cunnington, Sam Wright, Sam Gibson, Kieran Harper
Emer: Liam Anthony, Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett

In: Scott McMahon, Sam Gibson, Lindsay Thomas, Robbie Tarrant
Out: Aaron Edwards, Luke Delaney, Cruize Garlett, Cam Delaney (all omitted)

Milestone: Lindsay Thomas - 100 games
New: Sam Gibson (Box Hill)