Adjusting to life as an AFL footballer can be tough and when you throw youthful enthusiasm into the mix, draftees have the capacity to run themselves into the ground without even realising it. Modern day practices ensure this doesn't happen with individual players' work loads managed and monitored every step of the way.

For Kieran Harper, it meant a forced break last week to allow his body to recover and re-energise for the long season ahead. When it comes to these younger bodies, North's medical and conditioning department always takes a long term view to their health and well being.

While it mightn't have been the path Kieran would have chosen, the pain of being left out of last week's side has been quickly erased with his inclusion in the 22 to play the Crows on Sunday.

Dangerous around goal and with silky smooth skills, Harper will be looking to take another step in his development at Etihad Stadium. It'll also be his first time in a big milestone match with Brent Harvey set to run out for a record equalling 311th time.

Also back in the side is Cam Pedersen who will play just his third game since being drafted to North Melbourne as a rookie late last year. Versatile and strong in a contest, Pedersen could find himself playing at both ends of the ground depending on how the game unfolds. Picked by the club as a defender, he's had to play in the ruck and up forward already in 2011.

The pair replaces defenders Michael Firrito, who was rubbed out for one week by the match review panel and Daniel Pratt, who has a finger injury.

Robbie Tarrant will have to wait a little longer to break back into the side after being named as an emergency alongside Cam Richardson and Ben Warren.

Backs S.McMahon 42 L.Delaney 45 S.Thompson 16
Half Backs B.Cunnington 10 J.MacMillan 34 B.Rawlings 3
Centreline D.Wells 8 L.Greenwood 24 S.Atley 18
Half Forwards L.Thomas 12 A.Edwards 27 B.Harvey 29
Forwards L.Hansen 6 D.Petrie 20 J.Ziebell 7
Followers T.Goldstein 22 A.Swallow 9 L.Adams 13
Interchange: L.Anthony 4 K.Harper 23 C.Pedersen 39 B.Speight 46
Emergencies: B. Warren 5 C.Richardson 21 R.Tarrant 25

In: Harper, Pedersen
Out: Firrito (suspension), Pratt (finger)