A returning George Wardlaw joins debutant Riley Hardeman as one of North Melbourne's two inclusions for Saturday's clash with the Crows.

Wardlaw was managed last weekend as part of a strategic plan that's in place for the second-year Roo, given his history of injuries through his draft year and debut League campaign.

Hardeman will become the fifth player to make their AFL debut for the club this season, after it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon during a team meeting.

The hard-running half-back was selected with the 23rd pick of the 2023 National Draft, and has displayed his line-breaking ability and speed throughout his four VFL appearances.

Eddie Ford goes out of the side having failed to overcome a hip injury that led to the forward being subbed out during the loss to Hawthorn, while Tyler Sellers has been omitted.

Will Phillips, Dylan Stephens, Tom Powell, and Blake Drury have been named on the interchange bench, with former Carlton defender Zac Fisher to start as the substitute.

Stephens is set to bring up 50 AFL games on Saturday, after notching 43 games as a Swan and six so far as a Roo.