Tough North Melbourne midfielder Jed Anderson will put his hand up for an immediate recall to the senior team following a strong response to his surprise omission last week.

Anderson was dropped for the side's victory over Hawthorn on Friday night, but was among the standouts in a VFL victory over Box Hill as he racked up 25 disposals and 12 tackles.

He looms as the most likely replacement for injured youngster Luke Davies-Uniacke, who will miss the remainder of the season as he heads for surgery on his right shoulder.

While the initial axing of Anderson was somewhat of a surprise last week, Kangaroos coach Rhyce Shaw described it as a glowing reflection of the side's recent improvement.

"The best thing about what's happening at the moment with our club is that competition for spots is right up for grabs," Shaw said on Wednesday.

"Guys are making it difficult for the guys who aren't in form to stay in the team, so we've got some really tough choices in terms of selection weekly now. That's pleasing.

"Jed unfortunately missed out last week, but he went back and performed really strongly in the twos. He'll put his hand up again this week, no doubt."

North Melbourne is also likely to recall Shaun Atley for this week's trip to GMHBA Stadium to face Geelong, with the wingman missing its last match due to a knee injury.

However, Atley's availability still depends on a fitness test at training on Wednesday.

"We'll have to see," Shaw said.

"It's a bit of a bummer for you guys, because we train after this (the media conference). We'll make decisions based on that.

"All indications say he'll be right to come up, but we'll just have to wait and see."

There was also a warm welcome for Tom McKenzie at Arden Street on Wednesday, with the youngster training with the main group for the first time all season due to a back injury.