Luke McDonald considers himself very fortunate for being called up to the seniors for North Melbourne's match against Brisbane and Brent Harvey's 400th game.

A lifelong Kangaroos supporter, the 20-year-old told NMFC.com.au it was 'unbelievable' to be playing alongside his hero and an icon of the game in a history making milestone.

"400 games in itself is just crazy by Boomer," McDonald said.

"I think he started playing in the year I was born, it's unbelievable and to get back in the side for this game in particular is very special."

"Boomer was one of my favourite players growing up, to be running out with him and his family tonight is very special."

McDonlad was dropped from the North side after the Round 9 loss to the Magpies and wants to bring a "hungry attitude" and some more intensity against the Lions not only for Boomer, but for the remainder of the year.

"You'd like to think week-to-week doesn't change, that you'd have the same sort of attitude, but with Boomer's 400th there's just that little bit extra I reckon," he said.

In his second year, McDonald was sent back to play with Werribee in the VFL and said he had "a few things" to work on in order to earn his spot back in the North side. He acknowledged the things he was doing well last season had "dropped off" but believes he's addressed his deficiencies.

"Most of it was around things that I was bringing every week last year that I sort of, may have dropped off a little bit this year," he explained.

"So I've got to bring that same hungry attitude I had all last year and hopefully I'll be right."

The main thing for the young defender though, is getting the four points tonight and paying tribute to his idol in the best possible way.

"Obviously we want to win very game really badly but for such a great servant of the AFL and the club, we just have to get a win."