Young defender Jackson Archer is among four inclusions for North Melbourne after senior coach Alastair Clarkson swung the changes for Round 8's match against St Kilda.

Jaidyn Stephenson, Liam Shiels and Toby Pink have also been named in the Kangaroos' team for Saturday's match at Marvel Stadium. 

Archer, 21, is set to play his first game of the season against the Saints. 

He put himself in the frame for selection with a strong defensive performance in the reserves' Round 5 loss against the GWS Giants last weekend, earning 15 disposals along the way.

Forward Stephenson and veteran Shiels return for their first games since Round 4's defeat to Brisbane, while key defender Pink last played against the Blues in Round 3's Good Friday SuperClash.

Will Phillips, Dylan Stephens, Charlie Lazzaro and Bigoa Nyuon are this week's omissions.  

Pink, Shiels, Archer, Stephenson and Blake Drury have been named on the interchange bench, with one of the five to be named substitute an hour ahead of Saturday's 4.35pm opening bounce.

Phillips and Lazzaro have been named as emergencies alongside Hugh Greenwood.