North Melbourne has added seven players to its squad to take on Essendon on Sunday at Marvel Stadium.

Mid-season defensive recruit Kallan Dawson has been locked in for his AFL debut, while Nick Larkey has returned to lead the forward line.

Jack Mahony, Josh Walker, Kayne Turner, Jackson Archer and potential debutant Josh Goater will also join them in the squad.

Going out will be the suspended Flynn Perez, while Aaron Hall, Aidan Corr and Paul Curtis will miss due to health and safety protocols.

The final team will be confirmed on Friday afternoon at 5pm AEST.