North Melbourne has made three changes going into its Round 9 meeting with Port Adelaide at Blundstone Arena in Hobart.

Tom Powell headlines the inclusions, having been named for his first senior appearance since he was substituted into the Good Friday SuperClash against the Western Bulldogs.

"He's going to have to put a few games together… we want those young guys to come in with some good form," senior coach David Noble said of Powell two weeks ago.

… and come in with some good form he will. The popular midfielder has averaged 24.6 disposals, seven clearances and just under six tackles over his past three games at reserve level.

Spearhead Nick Larkey will also return from the suspension he incurred for engaging in rough conduct against Carlton defender Lewis Young.

Having kicked 17 goals over the first seven rounds, Larkey will give the Roos' forward line renewed structure, and release both his offsider Cam Zurhaar and the resting ruck.

Pressure forward Jack Mahony is the other of the three inclusions, named in the team proper after he was substituted into the match last Saturday.

Jason Horne-Francis will miss a match for the first time this season, having experienced hamstring tightness during the week.

Extractor Hugh Greenwood will also be absent from the team sheet for the first time over his stint at North Melbourne, having entered the health and safety protocols.

Ben McKay won't feature, having injured his knee in the defeat to Fremantle, but the key defender isn't expected to miss more than a game or two.

The medical substitute will be selected from emergencies Jackson Archer, Charlie Lazzaro, Kyron Hayden and Matt McGuinness.