Midfielder Brad McKenzie's inclusion for Saturday's clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium is a reward for his performances at VFL level, North coach Brad Scott says.
The 22-year-old has been given the nod on the back of consistent hit-outs for VFL affiliate Werribee this season, gathering 27 disposals against Footscray in his last appearance a fortnight ago.
Scott said the Roos' match committee could not overlook McKenzie based on his recent form.
"He had a really good game against Footscray two weeks ago and we really felt he was close to senior selection," Scott told NMFC.com.au on Thursday evening.
"He was our carryover emergency last week (against St Kilda) so he was clearly the next player in had something happened to one of our selected 22.
"He comes in fresh (and) is ready to play."
RELATED: The Preview
Like McKenzie, big man Majak Daw will play his first game for the Roos this year against the Dons after impressing in the VFL.
Scott said Daw's ability to perform multiple roles would benefit North and take some pressure off All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein.
"Majak's ability to ruck certainly helps; it gives us more flexibility with our ruck division," Scott said.
"Ben Brown's been really good for us there, too, so we're looking to be able to shoulder the load in the ruck where possible and 'Maj' has got great flexibility in that he's kicking goals up forward as well."
Small forward Lindsay Thomas is a certain starter after serving his one-game ban for his high tackle on Western Bulldog Lachie Hunter in round six.
The Roos' coach said Thomas had stayed positive despite not being able to take the field for Drew Petrie's 300-game milestone last weekend.
"Drew's been terrific for Lindsay over the journey and Lindsay really wanted to be a part of it, so he was bitterly disappointed to miss," Scott said.
"But he's channelled all his energy the right way and the silver lining is that he comes back into the team fresh and ready to go."
Newly promoted rookie Farren Ray, midfielder Trent Dumont and draftee Ryan Clarke have been listed as emergencies for the game against the Bombers.
Scott was full of praise for Clarke's hard work since being recruited by the club with pick No.31 in last year's national draft.
"He gives us something different in the midfield. He hunts the ball, he knows where to run to get the ball (and) his work rate has been terrific," he said.
"He's just biding his time and it's a really good reward for him to come into the 25, but he's doing everything we're asking of him in the VFL."
Earlier on Thursday, Scott confirmed Daniel Wells (quad) and Michael Firrito (managed) would miss the match against the Bombers, joining Shaun Higgins (knee).
"We just won't take any risk (with Wells). The medicos want to give 'Wellsy' another couple of days but I suspect that if he doesn't do anything today – which the plan at the moment is for him not to do anything – then it'll be up to the coach to make the call," Scott told reporters.
"With the exception of Michael Firrito, who we won't play this week just because he's had a really good start to the year … we're looking to play our strongest possible team with the exception of guys who might be 10 per cent off due to injury."
