After struggling in their first ever competitive game in Darwin last weekend, the Kangaroos will look to right some wrongs in front of their home fans at Marvel Stadium against GWS on Sunday afternoon.

The concussion suffered by defensive general Ben McKay opens up a spot in the back line, while some intriguing individual performances at VFL level may open the door for some high-profile inclusions.

North Melbourne will be hoping a pre-bye victory could help jumpstart its stuttering 2022 campaign and give the side some much-needed momentum heading into the back half of the year.

North Media looks at who is in the mix to take on the Giants.

It could be a case of one out, one in for the Kangaroos' defence, with Aaron Hall in line to make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury this weekend.

Should he prove his fitness and earn selection, Hall will be running out for his 150th career game - Luke McDonald is also set to celebrate the same milestone against the Giants.

If Noble wants to bring in a like-for-like replacement for McKay, the clearest option would be Matt McGuinness.

The key defender has been impressing with his ball-use and composure at reserve level in recent weeks and he's contributed well under the guidance of VFL-listed Marty Hore.

Given the potential size held in GWS' forward line in the form of Harry Himmelberg, Zach Sproule and Jesse Hogan, McGuinness' height in defence could be a sorely needed asset this weekend.

Second-year player Charlie Lazzaro has been continuing his education at VFL level and was among North's most impressive performers against Box Hill last week.

Playing primarily as an inside midfielder but also chopping onto the wing, Lazzaro brought intensity and drive to the Kangaroos' midfield and finished the game with 26 disposals, ten marks, seven tackles and four clearances.

Jaidyn Stephenson continued to search for the intensity and consistency required for an AFL recall and there were times against Box Hill where he looked a class above all those on the field.

Stephenson was once again heavily marked by the opposition but he still had little issue with finding the football. He finished with 26 disposals. six tackles and four clearances.

While carving out a role as a small forward at AFL level, Jack Mahony returned to the VFL and spent time forward, in the midfield and on the wing.

Mahony proved himself to be a classy operator against the Hawks but struggled to impact the scoreboard due to lack of service when he was playing ahead of the football.

He finished with 15 disposals and four tackles.

Callum Coleman-Jones looks to have shaken off the quad issue that's been plaguing him in recent weeks and could return to put pressure on Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri.

Phoenix Spicer made his long-awaited return to play against Box Hill and looked exciting in his limited minutes on ground.

It's expected he'll play a full game this weekend but is still some time away from pushing for a senior recall.

Eddie Ford looks set to return from injury this week via the VFL. Much like Spicer he'll be required to prove his fitness before being considered for an AFL return.

Pat Walker impressed on his return to the VFL, while defenders Josh Goater and Jackson Archer continued their improvement. Goater in particular impressed with 20 disposals and seven marks.