Will Phillips and Jed Anderson headline the team selected to take on Footscray in the Good Friday VFL clash.
Defender Aiden Bonar also returns to the side after three consecutive weeks as substitute at AFL level to lead a defence filled with young and exciting talent.
Louis Cunningham comes back into the side after missing the Round 2 clash with Brisbane after suffering a head knock in Round 1, while co-captain Kade Answerth has been shifted into the forward line to accomodate the returning midfield talent.
After having a bye in Round 3, the Kangaroos will be primed to come out roaring against the Bulldogs, keen to put their poor performance against the Lions in Round 2 firmly in the rear view mirror.
Charlie Comben and Paul Curtis have found little trouble getting amongst the goals so far this season, while Marty Hore has admirably led a young defence.
The Bulldogs were the last remaining unbeaten side in the VFL before the cancellation of the 2021 season having won all 10 of their games last year, but they've struggled to recapture that form this campaign.
They started the year with a 54-point loss to Sydney in Round 1 before registering a narrow two-point win over a plucky Northern Bullants side. They enter the clash fresh off of a 26-point loss to Richmond.
Lazzaro's VFL role
Charlie Lazzaro is no stranger to VFL football. As he developed in his first season on North Melbourne's list he spent some time honing his craft at reserve level, and he looks set for a similar season in 2022.
One of the best parts about Lazzaro's game is his versatility which has often led him to playing on a wing or as a small forward at senior level, but in the VFL he's shown potential to become a game-breaking inside midfielder.
He registered 18 disposals and a game-high nine tackles in last season's Round 11 win over Werribee as he split his time between the midfield and the forward line. He then exploded in Round 16 against Port Melbourne with 26 disposals and a goal.
Phillips and Anderson being in the side could see his midfield minutes plummet, but with the pair not expected to play out the entire game Lazzaro's ability to pinch-hit in multiple positions could be key to victory.
Gun midfield trio
North Melbourne's Round 2 loss the Brisbane, while disappointing, was the first chance Kangaroos fans had to see the elite VFL-listed midfield trio of Harry Jones, Dom Tyson and Answerth in action this season.
While the team struggled, co-captains Jones and Answerth along with AFL veteran Tyson were amongst the best players on the ground and they could all leave the field of play with their heads held high after the final siren.
You don't get to this level of football without having a serious competitive streak, so there's no doubting they'll be just as keen as their teammates to rectify the outcome of the last fixture.
Having such a talented trio of midfielders doesn't just mean the team will perform better week in, week out, but their presence in the side can help lead their fellow teammates in the right direction and improve the group as a whole.
>> The game will be streamed live on AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official app
Friday April 15
North Melbourne v Footscray at Arden Street Oval, 12.05pm AEST
B: 37 K. Hayden, 41 M. McGuinness, 34. J Archer
HB: 27. M Bergman, 16. A Bonar, 31. J Goater
C: 33. P Walker, 46 D. Tyson, 49. H Jones
HF: 30. C Comben, 25. P Curtis, 54. K Answerth
F: 35. C Lazzaro, 32. J Edwards, 24. T Powell
R: 31. C Coleman-Jones, 29. W Phillips, 3. J Anderson
I/C: 53. M Hore, 56 Y. Dib, 59. J Lipscombe, 70 L Cunningham, 68. J Guthrie, 70. J Watkins
23rd player: 52. S Collins
EMG: 50. H Dick, 55. C Hinkley, 66. Z Monkhorst, 75. C Weightman
