North Melbourne will receive a major boost to its backline as key defender duo Ben McKay and Griffin Logue return for the Gather Round clash against the Brisbane Lions.

McKay is yet to play a game this season after scans in the pre-season revealed bone stress in his right foot and he has been sidelined ever since.

Logue missed the Good Friday SuperClash against Carlton after receiving a one-game suspension for his bump on Hawthorn's Will Day.

The key pillars will be tasked with quelling the influence of Lions forwards Joe Daniher, Eric Hipwood and Jack Gunston.

McKay and Logue replace Aiden Bonar and Paul Curtis, who have been named as emergencies.

Last week's sub Hugh Greenwood, who replaced Ben Cunnington against the Blues, has also been named as an emergency along with Flynn Perez.