Robert Hansen jnr will be firmly in the frame for a season debut following another strong showing in the reserves over the weekend.

The skilful small forward has produced a series of impressive performances since the VFL Round 10 bye, booting 10 goals in his last five games.

He was one of North Melbourne's best afield in its five-point win over Sydney at Tramway Oval on Saturday morning having notched 16 touches and two majors, and applied plenty of pressure across the half-forward line.

Rebounding defender Zac Fisher returned via the VFL from a foot issue and racked up 27 touches and five intercepts and will look to jump back into the senior side for its clash with his former side, Carlton.

Miller Bergman (17 disposals) and Riley Hardeman (15) also found some of the footy rolling out of defence, while Jaidyn Stephenson (15) had an active first half before being removed as a carryover emergency for the AFL team.

Youngster Zane Duursma was among the best and could be injected into Alastair Clarkson's forward line to freshen up the attack.

He clunked three contested grabs against the Swans and snagged three goals, two of which came at a crucial stage in the fourth quarter.

Cooper Harvey (two goals, 12 disposals) – who kicked the game-winner – and Tyler Sellers (seven marks, two goals) were also prominent offensively.

Will Phillips responded to his AFL omission in solid fashion with 22 disposals and seven clearances, while Charlie Lazzaro (24 disposals, five inside 50s) and Hugh Greenwood (21 disposals, 12 tackles, six clearances) were also prolific as the Roos trumped Sydney at stoppages 39-22.