Taylor Garner, Majak Daw and Aaron Mullett could be in line for their first games of 2017, after being named in North's 25-man squad to take on Geelong.
Garner's last senior game was almost a year ago to the day, with injuries limiting him to just two further VFL matches in 2016.
The 23-year-old battled a hip injury during the pre-season, but has performed strongly in two practice matches at Werribee.
Daw looks likely to replace injured forward Jarrad Waite, with North’s number 30 set to miss about a month of football after injuring his shoulder in Round 1.
Mullett impressed for Werribee last week and could also be in line for a call-up, after being named on an extended interchange bench.
Ben Cunnington will make his first appearance for the year, returning from his one match suspension to take on the Cats.
North will name its final 22 on Friday afternoon.
Squads
North Melbourne
Backs Marley Williams Scott Thompson Luke McDonald
Half Backs Jamie Macmillan Robbie Tarrant Shaun Atley
Centreline Sam Gibson Trent Dumont Andrew Swallow
Half Forwards Nathan Hrovat Lachie Hansen Jy Simpkin
Forwards Lindsay Thomas Ben Brown Kayne Turner
Followers Todd Goldstein Jack Ziebell Shaun Higgins
Interchange From Ben Cunnington, Aaron Mullett, Taylor Garner, Braydon Preuss, Majak Daw, Mitch Hibberd, Declan Mountford
In: B.Cunnington, M.Daw, A.Mullett, T.Garner
Out: J.Waite (Shoulder)
Geelong
Backs Andrew Mackie Tom Lonergan Zach Tuohy
Half Backs Jackson Thurlow Lachie Henderson Tom Stewart
Centreline George Horlin-Smith Joel Selwood Mitch Duncan
Half Forwards Jordan Murdoch Harry Taylor Darcy Lang
Forwards Daniel Menzel Tom Hawkins Steven Motlop
Followers Rhys Stanley Patrick Dangerfield Mark Blicavs
Interchange From Jed Bews, Josh Cowan, Lincoln McCarthy, Sam Menegola, Brandan Parfitt, Tom Ruggles, Zac Smith
In: Z.Smith, J.Bews, S.Menegola, D.Lang
Out: N.Cockatoo (hand)
