Co-captain Jy Simpkin is one of two North Melbourne inclusions for Saturday night's meeting with Melbourne at the MCG.

Simpkin was a late withdrawal ahead of Round 14's heartbreaking defeat to Collingwood after suffering a minor hamstring strain.

Midfielder Dylan Stephens also returns to the side on the back of a strong performance in the VFL against the Magpies last weekend and will start as the tactical substitute.

Stephens, who last played at AFL level in Round 7, kicked two goals and had 32 disposals for the reserves in an outing that saw him earn a coaches' vote. 

Defender Kallan Dawson is a forced omission after he was suspended for striking Magpie Jack Crisp, while Jaidyn Stephenson has been omitted.