The recall has been a long time coming for Smith. The 23 year-old has not played since Round 4 despite some strong form at VFL level.

For Edwards it's been a season to forget, but the number 27 will be keen to kick a bag of goals against a relentless St Kilda defence to stake a claim for a contract extension.

So far this season, the former Frankston forward has played just eight senior games with a combination of poor form and off-field indiscretions hindering his year.

Lower has been knocking on the door for several weeks and finally gets his chance after collecting 26 possessions, 11 clearances and nine tackles for North Ballarat on the weekend.

His work in the midfield with Garlett has been pivotal for the Roosters in recent weeks. Garlett is also getting his chance after picking up 18 possessions in the win over Port Melbourne.

As announced by Darren Crocker, retiring veteran Watt has earned a recall after a best on ground performance at VFL level. The 29 year-old clearly showing he still had plenty of footy left in him after grabbing 26 possessions and five marks in defence last week.

 

North Melbourne
Vs St Kilda, Round 21
Sunday, August 23
Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm

B Levi Greenwood (24) Nathan Grima (17) Scott McMahon (42)
HB Scott Thompson (16) Josh Gibson (38) Ed Lower (2)
C Liam Anthony (44) Michael Firrito (11) Brent Harvey (29)
HF Cruize Garlett (32) Lachie Hansen (6) Matt Campbell (33)
F Andrew Swallow (9) Drew Petrie (20) Aaron Edwards (27)
R Hamish McIntosh (1) Leigh Adams (13) Brady Rawlings (3)
INT (from) Sam Power (5) Lindsay Thomas (12) Josh Smith (18) Todd Goldstein (22) Daniel Pratt (30) Shannon Watt (36) Alan Obst (40)

In: Ed Lower, Josh Smith, Aaron Edwards, Cruize Garlett, Shannon Watt, Alan Obst
Out: Daniel Harris, Gavin Urquhart, Corey Jones