One outing at VFL level for Robbie Tarrant has done enough to convince the match committee he is right to make his first appearance for North Melbourne this year.

The key position player is a vital piece of the forward structure when up and running, complementing Drew Petrie and Aaron Black.

While many players would need more than one game after a long-term injury, Brad Scott hinted at what made Tarrant so valuable on Wednesday at Arden Street.

"With most players you'd suggest he's a bit underdone, but he's a bit of a rare commodity in that he's such a terrific endurance athlete with speed and power," the North Melbourne coach said.

Lindsay Thomas also returns and will boost the forward half. After being a late withdrawal for the victory over Richmond, Thomas' hamstring soreness has recovered enough to take his place in the starting 22.

Thomas' first goal against Adelaide will take him past Phil Krakouer and into sole position of 20th on the all-time North Melbourne goal kicking list. Majak Daw and Sam Wright make way for Tarrant and Thomas.

Adelaide has made three changes, bringing in Brent Reilly, Matt Crouch and Matt Wright for Charlie Cameron (groin), Cam Ellis-Yolmen (omitted) and Jarryd Lyons (omitted).

Team v Adelaide
Backs: L.McDonald 21 S.Thompson 16 L.Hansen 6
Half Backs: N.Dal Santo 15 M.Firrito 11 A.Mullett 41
Centreline: S.Gibson 43 A.Swallow 9 L.Greenwood 24
Half Forwards: R.Nahas 28 R.Tarrant 25 B.Harvey 29
Forwards: A.Black 35 D.Petrie 20 L.Thomas 12
Followers: T.Goldstein 22 J.Ziebell 7 B.Cunnington 10
Interchange: R.Bastinac 3 L.Anthony 4 L.Adams 13 S.Atley 18
Emergencies: B.McKenzie 2 B.Jacobs 5 S.Wright 19

In: L.Thomas , R.Tarrant
Out: S.Wright (Omitted) , M.Daw (Omitted)