Young star George Wardlaw will return to boost North Melbourne for club champion Ben Cunnington's farewell match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. 

Wardlaw has been sidelined since straining his hamstring during Round 18's match against Hawthorn.

The 19-year-old returns to the side for what will be his eighth career game after impressing during a conditioning session on the weekend.

Cunnington will return to play his 278th and final match for the Kangaroos after he announced his retirement on Tuesday.

05:47

'I felt I lost my hunger when I returned': Why Cunnington called time

NMFC Media brings you inside the moment fan favourite Ben Cunnington announced his retirement from the AFL

Saturday's game will give Kangaroos fans the opportunity to say goodbye to a club legend whose selfless service has made him a firm fan favourite across his 15-season career.

Kangaroo great Jack Ziebell, who has also confirmed this season will be his last, has been named on the interchange bench against the Bombers.

The former skipper has earmarked next week's clash with Richmond at the MCG for his final AFL outing. 

Tough, brave, clever
Clarko pays tribute as Cunners says goodbye

Will Phillips, Charlie Lazzaro and Robert Hansen jnr are this week's three omissions.

Phillips and Lazzaro are the emergencies alongside Miller Bergman and Daniel Howe. One of the four will be named the tactical substitute an hour before Saturday's 1.45pm opening bounce.