The combination of a lack of VFL action, a dearth of players ready to return from injury and plenty of positives against Melbourne means the ability for last week's unselected players to put their hands up for selection this week is limited at best.

That being said, there are a number of proven AFL talents who are looking to break back into the senior side to take on the Saints this week, and there a number of changes David Noble and the match committee could make to tweak the line-up as the Kangaroos search for their second win of the season.

North Media looks at who is in the mix.

The return to fitness and availability of Hugh Greenwood, Jason Horne-Francis, Jy Simpkin and Tristan Xerri last week meant the selection axe was swung against the Demons, and, given the performance from the side, it was swung to great effect.

The three players who were omitted from the side, Callum Coleman-Jones, Jaidyn Stephenson and Atu Bosenavulagi, look the most likely to be pushing the door down for selection and cover all lines between them.

Bosenavulagi had been starting to find some continuity in the Kangaroos' backline this season having made seven appearances for the year - two as medical substitute - and he came on in place of the injured Curtis Taylor against the Demons.

Coleman-Jones has struggled for consistency in the line-up since his move to Arden Street in the off-season. Despite dominating as the primary ruck at VFL level this season he's been utilised primarily as a second ruck/forward when selected at senior level.

The return of the fit again Tristan Xerri saw him taken out of the side in favour of the lifelong North fan. He'll continue to contest with Xerri and Todd Goldstein for a spot in the side whether that be in the middle of the ground or forward of the ball.

Post-match against the Demons David Noble said the "physicality and intensity" his side brought against the reigning premiers was why Stephenson was not selected for the clash, and implied that's the area the second-year Kangaroo needs to work on to win his spot back.

Stephenson has already had a run through the VFL this season, playing in the Round 1 reserves clash against Williamstown where he finished with 24 disposals. He also missed the Round 6 AFL clash with Geelong due to illness earlier this year.

Young pair Charlie Comben and Charlie Lazzaro have both been putting together some strong form at VFL-level so far this season.

Comben has been fighting to stay on the park in recent weeks. A consistent minor knee issues leaves it remaining to be seen whether he'll be fit enough to play in the reserves, let alone the seniors. Lazzaro, on the other had, has impressed in a multitude of positions across the midfield and forward lines in his time at reserve level.

Pressure forward Jack Mahony missed the clash with the Demons due to an ankle injury but could well make his return to the field this week through either the seniors or reserve side after missing only the one game.

Mahony has played 38 games in his two-and-a-half seasons on North Melbourne's list, but the 21-year-old was omitted in favour of returning veteran Jed Anderson earlier in the season.

Jackson Archer and Matt McGuinness look close to potential senior debuts in defence if required after being named as emergencies in recent weeks, while Josh Goater is battling hard for his first opportunity at senior level.