North Melbourne can expect to bolster its midfield for Sunday's match against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium. 

Engine room pair Jy Simpkin and Hugh Greenwood are likely to return after recovering from head knocks suffered during the Round 12 loss to Essendon.

Both missed last weekend's match against Greater Western Sydney due to the mandatory 12-day AFL concussion protocols.

Star ball-winner Luke Davies-Uniacke is approaching full fitness following the hamstring injury he sustained in Round 9, but will miss another week, Kangaroos head of performance Kevin White has confirmed.

Club champion Ben Cunnington is another who may return, having been named as an emergency for the clash with the Giants.

At VFL level, Charlie Lazzaro ensured the match committee will have its work cut out, putting his hand up for selection with a best-on-ground performance for the Roos' reserves in their 52-point win against the Giants.

Lazzaro had 39 touches and a goal and was the Kangaroos' standout alongside Daniel Howe (three goals, eight tackles, 24 disposals) and key defender Kallan Dawson (25 disposals, 10 marks). 

In-form defender Flynn Perez (29 touches) will also be considered after what reserves coach Tom Lynch described as a season-best "ripping performance" against the Giants.