The North Melbourne Kangaroos will be forced into making at least one change for this week's clash with Essendon due to the suspension of rebounding defender Flynn Perez.

Perez picked up a one-match for a late hit on Jaeger O’Meara in last week’s clash with Hawthorn, however due to the current COVID-19 situation occurring at Arden Street - four players are confirmed to have picked up the virus - more changes may ensue for this week’s battle against the Bombers.

Last week's VFL bye offered those pushing for selection a much needed rest as they look to press their cases for a senior call-up heading into the end of the season.

Once again the Kangaroos will be forced into making a change in the backline. Lucky for Leigh Adams and the match committee though, that’s where the most selection pressure is coming from.

The most like-for-like change for Perez would come in the form of either Atu Bosenavulagi or Jackson Archer, with the duo impressing with their ability to take the game on in the Round 17 VFL defeat to Richmond.

Archer looks to have grown in confidence since his maiden AFL appearance in Round 15 and impressively took the game on with ball in hand as well as contesting well in the air in his VFL return.

Bosenavulagi is now a known quantity at VFL-level, and the run and drive he provides in the wide areas of the ground are mightily impressive attributes at reserve level. He'll be looking to add to his nine senior appearances this season.

Due to the Bombers' penchant for playing a pair of key forwards and a resting ruck in their forward line, Adams may look to add more height into his defence. He has plenty of options with Kallan Dawson, Josh Walker and Matt McGuinness all playing well in their last appearances.

Walker defended brilliantly against the Tigers in his first VFL game of the season, clunking a number of crucial intercept marks and marshalling the back line in the tight defeat.

Dawson continues to go from strength to strength in his time at Arden Street and looks like he could be closing in on a senior debut. His combination of size, strength and agility could make him a prime third tall defensive option against this tall Essendon forward line.

McGuinness showcased his swingman ability against the Tigers as he launched forward to kick the final goal of the game two weeks ago. His versatility and ability to play in the key positions across both lines could see him earn a senior debut, especially if Nick Larkey fails to shake his heel injury.

Josh Goater has also made massive strides in recent weeks in his pursuit of a maiden senior call-up. The athletic mid-sized defender has been North’s best one-on-one defender at VFL level in recent weeks and could prove to be a tough match-up for Essendon’s mid-sized forwards should he be afforded an opportunity.

The Kangaroos’ midfield has been their best performing line in the improved performances of recent weeks, and the return of Tarryn Thomas from personal leave could make the line even stronger.

Thomas has played just 10 senior games this year and last featured in the Round 15 clash with Adelaide. The lack of match fitness may see him return via the VFL in order to press his senior claim.

If he can prove his fitness this week Nick Larkey looks to be a certain inclusion in the side.

The key forward was named for last week's clash with Hawthorn, however he was passed unfit to play due to a lingering heel issue and was replaced in the side by Aaron Hall.

North's top goalkicker in the 2021 season, Larkey also leads the team's goal tally in 2022 having kicked 29 goals from 16 games.

Eddie Ford and Jack Mahony were once again heavily involved in the VFL clash with Richmond, with only goal inaccuracy preventing Ford from having a brilliant day in what were difficult weather conditions.

Ford ended the day with no goals and three behinds, but he was a constant threat to the Tigers’ defence and wasn’t averse to heading further up the ground to provide a leading target for his teammate.

Mahony split his time between the midfield and forward line and displayed the best of his contested attributes. He finished with 22 touches, four clearances and a well-taken goal from the left pocket.

Utility Kayne Turner is also available after recovering from concussion and playing a half of football on his return in the VFL against the Tigers.

Turner is just one of four players remaining on the list from the famous 2014 elimination final win over this weekend’s opposition along with Ben Cunnington, Jack Ziebell, Todd Goldstein and Luke McDonald.

The then 19-year-old played a key role in the comeback win almost a decade ago, finishing with 12 disposals.

Kyron Hayden and Charlie Comben are both set to return from injury this week, with Hayden overcoming a groin issue and Comben recovering from knee surgery, however it can be assumed that both will be given the opportunity to regain match fitness through the VFL before pushing for senior selection.