North Melbourne will be forced to make at least two changes for its season finale against Hawthorn, with defenders Charlie Comben and Miller Bergman both ruled out with concussion.

After serving as an emergency last Sunday, Toby Pink could slot straight into the backline to cover for Comben.

Pink has been deployed at both of ends of the field throughout his 14 games this season but has lately been favoured as a forward by senior coach Alastair Clarkson.

Drafted as a key back, youngster Wil Dawson poses as a versatile tall option, having recently played as a forward and in the ruck during recent VFL fixtures

The 18-year-old notched 18 hitouts and 10 disposals at Fankhauser Reserve against Southport last Saturday and finished second in the side for tackles laid with 10, putting him in the frame for a fourth career AFL appearance.

Jaidyn Stephenson may be considered as a Bergman replacement following a strong performance for the Reserves. He tallied 27 disposals, two goals and an equal game-high eight intercept possessions off half-back in his return from a hand complaint.

Speedy midfielder Charlie Lazzaro once again stood out in the VFL, amassing 30 disposals and six inside 50s, positioning himself for a potential call-up. Meanwhile, Hugh Greenwood made his presence felt at the contest, racking up 26 touches, 14 tackles and a goal to also throw his name in the hat for a Round 24 feature.

Fellow onballer Will Phillips extracted seven clearances from 21 possessions and could win an immediate recall, while untried high-flyer Finnbar Maley (20 disposals, six marks) put in another promising shift.

Blake Drury was active at half-forward against the Sharks as he notched a team-high nine score involvements to go along with 21 touches and a goal of his own.