Defender Max Warren's rookie promotion is a reward for his consistent defensive efforts in the VFL this year, North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says.

The 22-year-old has been named in the Roos' 25-man squad for Sunday's clash against Melbourne at the MCG.

Scott said Warren's approach and hard work for VFL affiliate North Ballarat had not gone unnoticed.

"Over a long period of time, he's been performing. He's accepted every challenge that's been pushed his way at VFL level and he's really got his game up to a high level," Scott told NMFC.com.au on Thursday.

"Offensively, he's giving great run out of the back half, but he's able to play on a variety of opponents, too, and beaten talls and smalls."

Fellow backman Lachie Hansen has been named in the extended squad following a two-week stint for VFL affiliate Werribee, and is in line to play his first AFL game since round 14.

Scott said Hansen had overcome a hip complaint and could fill the void left by defender Michael Firrito, who accepted his one-game suspension for striking.

"We were really conservative with his rehab and recovery from what was a pretty minor niggle, but he was coming off pretty major surgery at the end of last year," Scott said.

"We just wanted to make sure he was 100 per cent right."

Defender Aaron Mullett, who injured his hamstring against Essendon in round 16, has also been named as a possible replacement for Firrito.

Scott said Mullett had not been able to force his way back into the senior line-up sooner due to the team's strong performances in recent weeks.

"(He was) really unlucky to be out of the side in the first place and we're just looking for Aaron to come back and play to his strengths," he said.

Scott said livewire forward Robbie Nahas had earned his chance for a senior call-up on the back of his seven-goal haul for the Roosters last Sunday.

"It was an impressive performance offensively but defensively he was terrific – his pressure was outstanding," he said.

"He dished off quite a few others as well so it was a pretty complete all-round game."

Scott said tall Majak Daw, who featured for the Roos in round 14 against Gold Coast, could be given the nod following a standout game in the ruck last Sunday.

"He was terrific in the ruck for Werribee on the weekend (and) we know he's been pretty dominant as a key forward at VFL level," he said.

"We're looking at some flexibility around our rucks and ruck-forward and 'Maj' is the next player in line."

Scott said omitted onballer Ryan Bastinac would need to regain his touch for North Ballarat this weekend before putting his hand up for a senior recall.

"Some areas of his game that have been real strengths for him over the last month, he just lapsed in a couple of areas on the weekend," he said.