North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson says he can't wait for Ben McKay to return and "stabilise" the team's defence.

The star key defender will look to play his first game of the year against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday after scans in the pre-season revealed McKay had bone stress in his right foot.

"We've been really patient, particularly for a tall player, foot injuries are really risky because they're carrying so much weight through there," Clarkson said.

"He was chomping at the bit wanting to get himself ready to play last week."

The senior coach said it would have been convenient for McKay to play last week against his twin Harry and last year's Coleman medallist, Charlie Curnow, as the Carlton forwards dominated with 10 goals between them.

"We're really keen for him (McKay) to get back in and hopefully stabilise our defence," Clarkson said.

North Melbourne is almost certain to partner McKay with fellow key defender Griffin Logue after serving his one-game suspension for a bump on Hawthorn's Will Day.

Clarkson also thinks spearhead Nick Larkey will be available after sustaining hip soreness in the Good Friday SuperClash against Carlton.

"He (Larkey) might need to go the line, but we'll give him every chance," Clarkson said.

If both key defenders return and Larkey is available to play it will be a huge boost to the Kangaroos who travel to the Adelaide Hills to take on the Lions for Gather Round.

Clarkson said everyone is excited to see the fans "because they’ll be right on the fence and cheering".

"We’d probably prefer to play at a venue where it feels like there’s a really strong atmosphere than go to Adelaide Oval," he said.

"You might have a bigger crowd (Adelaide Oval) but not as great an atmosphere."

Clarkson said South Australia is a passionate football state and that he is a fan of the Gather Round concept.

"There’s some great venues around the country that we could continue to expand this concept in the years to come," he said.

"I’m really looking forward to what Mount Barker can provide in terms of a real boutique type of atmosphere."