North Melbourne will be forced into making at least one change before it challenges the third-placed Bombers on Sunday in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.

Round 9 Rising Star nominee Colby McKercher was ruled out of facing Essendon on Tuesday after scans confirmed bone stress in the rookie's right foot.

It will mark the first time the No.10 has missed a game since debuting in Round 1 against the Giants, leaving a gap to be filled at the selection table later this week.

Co-captain Jy Simpkin (quad tightness) will be pushing to make a return having missed the trip to Darwin.

He'll undergo a fitness test later this week to determine his eligibility for the Sunday.

Curtis Taylor put together another solid outing in the VFL, finishing with 20 disposals, five tackles, five marks, and a goal against the Swans last weekend.

The 24-year-old is yet to feature in the senior side this year but has strung together several strong performances in the reserves' line-up.

Miller Bergman also pushed his case for an AFL season debut after collecting 23 disposals and seven grabs.

Zane Duursma did his chances for a recall no harm by booting four goals from nine disposals at Arden Street Oval.

The young forward displayed his smarts by finding plenty of space inside attacking 50 as well as his talent with a neat finish from the pocket.

Eddie Ford was also active around the ground on his way to 23 possessions and should be in the frame to take on Essendon.

Eight marks and 15 disposals could see Bigoa Nyuon injected back into Alastair Clarkson's defence, while Dylan Stephens may be in consideration having notched 21 touches and six inside 50s.