The AFL season is officially underway and after a frustrating loss in Round 1 there are a number of North Melbourne players who are pushing for their first call-up to the senior side for the season.

Despite being named to play in the Round 1 clash with Hawthorn, Jared Polec was a late omission from the side due to a niggling ankle injury.

The winger looks to have shaken off the knock now though, and with a full week of training behind him he's an all but a confirmed starter for Sunday's game against the Eagles.

With Ben McKay unavailable this weekend due to concussion, Josh Walker, on paper, looks to be the best like-for-like replacement the Kangaroos have to cover the key defensive positions.

Walker himself was unavailable last week due to entering health and safety protocols. Should he recover in time for the game, the lack of available tall defender options means he should come straight into the side.

Paul Curtis has impressed at VFL level so far this year, kicking two goals against both the Cats' and Hawks' VFL programs in practice games over the past few weeks. 

Curtis kicked two goals in the first quarter against the Hawks on the weekend, and he also hit the post twice. While it may be too early for the first-year player to make his way into the side, he's pushing hard to make his AFL debut.

Aiden Bonar and Kyron Hayden both got through Sunday's practice game against Box Hill unscathed on the weekend. While both are medium defenders by trade, their strength and athleticism could see them play a tall defensive role if needed. Bonar in particular has impressed playing centre half-back for the VFL Kangaroos in the past when called upon.

After being a late call-up to the emergency list for Sunday's clash with Hawthorn, Eddie Ford looks like he's the next in line to come into North Melbourne's forward line should David Noble look to swing some changes.

His athleticism and gritty tackling would be a welcome addition to a North forward line this weekend should he be included.