High on confidence, North Melbourne will be looking forward to another challenge after an impressive performance against Richmond last week.

Jy Simpkin, Ben Cunnington and Todd Goldstein headline the inclusions for Saturday's practice match against the Western Bulldogs at Ikon Park, with the trio set to face non-club opposition for the first time this season.

The pairing of Simpkin and Cunnington will step into the midfield and join Luke Davies-Uniacke and Will Phillips who both shone in the engine room during last Friday's match simulation.

With Tristan Xerri named and Callum Coleman-Jones on the extended interchange, Goldstein could see a varied mix of minutes in a rucking and key forward capacity as he looks to gain some momentum ahead of the 2023 season.

Exciting draftee Harry Sheezel will pull on the blue and white stripes again after booting three goals against the Tigers. He'll start in a forward pocket, flanked by fellow emerging Roos Paul Curtis and Tom Powell.

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Saturday will also be the first time Simpkin and Luke McDonald share the captaincy role on-field during an offical contest too, after the club announced that that pair would be co-captains back in January.

Bouncedown for Saturday's match is at 1.10pm AEDT, with the game to be broadcast on Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Entry is free and non-ticketed.

North Melbourne's VFL side will follow the seniors at Ikon Park with its practice match against the Footscray Bulldogs scheduled for 4pm.

Saturday, March 4

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne at Ikon Park, 1.10pm

B: J.Ziebell 7 B.McKay 23 F.Perez 39
HB: L.McDonald 11 (C) A.Bonar 16 J.Goater 31
C: B.Scott 8 J.Simpkin 12 (C) K.Turner 28
HF: T.Powell 24 C.Comben 30 P.Curtis 25
F: C.Zurhaar 44 N.Larkey 20 H.Sheezel 3
Foll: T.Goldstein 22 B.Cunnington 10 W.Phillips 29
I/C: G.Logue 19 L.Davies-Uniacke 9 L.Shiels 14 T.Xerri 38 J.Stephenson 2 M.Bergman 27 C.Coleman-Jones 21 H.Greenwood 18

Emerg: K.Dawson 42 E.Ford 40 C.Lazzaro 35 L.Young 17