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NORTH Melbourne rookie Sam Gibson will make his AFL debut on Saturday night against the Gold Coast, with the Kangaroos set to elevate the midfielder to their senior list.

AFL rules allow clubs to upgrade one rookie after round 11 even if they have no long-term injury and Gibson, 26, has been performing strongly in the VFL with North affiliate Werribee.

The hard-working midfielder spent 2007 on Hawthorn's rookie list but the Kangaroos gave him a second chance at the end of last year after he averaged 28 possessions in the VFL with the Box Hill Hawks in 2011.

North coach Brad Scott said it was a win for Gibson's hard work.

"It's a fantastic story for 'Gibbo'," Scott said on Wednesday.

"He's a really top quality individual, a great character and someone we think can really add to our side. He's an elite endurance athlete and we need some more run and spread through the midfield and we think he can give that to us.

"It's been a long time coming for Sam but it's a credit to his dedication and persistence."

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The meeting with the Suns at Metricon Stadium will be North's first game since its 115-point defeat to Hawthorn two weeks ago, after having the bye in round 11.

Scott noted the break had given his players an opportunity to freshen up for the second half of the year, but said the club had an even firmer eye on becoming a more consistent side.

"I think it's been something that's been frustrating everyone associated with North Melbourne - our members, [and] certainly our coaches and players," he said.

"We've shown in games this year that we're very capable when we play at our best. But the gap between our best and our worst is far too big. That's been really frustrating to everyone, so that's what we've really got to get better at."

Scott believes it's a matter of "when, not if" Gold Coast starts to turn its talent into competitive performances, and expects the Suns to come out firing after their 95-point defeat to St Kilda last week.

The Roos might have Scott McMahon to help their cause, with the defender a chance to return to the seniors after suffering a bout of hives. ??

Scott said McMahon had been cleared by the fitness and medical staff, has played one-and-a-half games in the VFL and is in the mix for senior selection. ?

"We don't think he's going to physically be at the best he's ever been, but he's performed pretty well in those [games]," Scott said. ?

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