Zac Fisher’s standout performance against Casey in North Melbourne's VFL opener has put him in contention for a season debut.

The rebounding defender collected a game-high 40 disposals in Sunday's draw with the Casey Demons, to go along with 10 intercept possession and eight marks.

CASEY v KANGAROOS Full player stats and match coverage

It'll be a hard side for Fisher to break into, though, after the AFL team's 59-point victory over Melbourne last Sunday.

If fit, Griffin Logue will also push for a spot in senior coach Alastair Clarkson’s backline rotation.

The key defender missed the Round 2 win due to a minor hamstring strain suffered against the Bulldogs the previous week and faces a fitness test before selection for Sunday’s match against Adelaide.

Draftee Matt Whitlock was impressive against Casey, playing across half-back and at times deeper in the defensive 50.

The first-round selection showed his composure with the ball in hand, finishing with 20 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency, plus nine marks and eight intercepts.

Other standout defenders at Reserves level included Wil Dawson (12 disposals, six intercepts) and Kallan Dawson (17, eight), while Finnbar Maley has already started making his case for an AFL debut in 2025 after taking three contested grabs and kicking two goals.

Looking to work his way back into the senior side, Eddie Ford was also lively at Casey Fields, collecting 18 touches and slotting a long-range goal from just beyond the 50m arc.

Defender Jackson Archer remains unavailable for the Roos this week as he serves his three-match suspension for rough conduct.