Recruit Daniel Howe has been locked in as North Melbourne's sub for the Round 7 AFL hitout with Melbourne on Saturday night.

Since debuting for the club in the Round 2 win over Fremantle, Howe has gone onto feature in every game for the club.

Originally selected in the side on Thursday night was Luke Davies-Uniacke, but the midfielder was withdrawn on Friday, elevating Darcy Tucker into the starting 22.

Co-captain Jy Simpkin comes into the side after missing Round 6 with a fractured hand and is joined by tall forward Callum Coleman-Jones for his first senior game of the year.

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Young midfielder Will Phillips has made way after being subbed out of last week's game against the Suns, with Liam Shiels holding his place in the side after replacing the 20-year-old during the third term on the Gold Coast.