North Melbourne has bolstered its defensive stocks for the clash against Hawthorn, recalling Scott Thompson and Michael Firrito.

The pair are among eight experienced inclusions for Sunday’s match at Deakin Reserve.

Thompson make his return after spending a long period in the rehabilitation group over Christmas due to knee soreness, while Firrito is preparing for his first outing of 2015.

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Skipper Andrew Swallow will be back to lead the side, with Aaron Black and Mason Wood added to the Roos' forward mix as Brad Scott continues to experiment with his attacking options.

Todd Goldstein is set to take the number one ruck mantle, while Leigh Adams and Sam Wright have also been included.

Nick Dal Santo and Shaun Higgins are among eight players missing from last week's lineup.

The squad of 29 will be narrowed to 26 on match-day.

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More to come...

Squad v Hawthorn

2. Brad McKenzie
3. Ryan Bastinac
5. Ben Jacobs
7. Jack Ziebell
8. Daniel Wells
9. Andrew Swallow
10. Ben Cunnington
11. Michael Firrito
12. Lindsay Thomas
13. Leigh Adams
14. Trent Dumont
16. Scott Thompson
18. Shaun Atley
19. Sam Wright
20. Drew Petrie
22. Todd Goldstein
24. Sam Durdin
25. Robbie Tarrant
28. Robin Nahas
29. Brent Harvey
30. Jarrad Waite
32. Mason Wood
34. Jamie MacMillan
35. Aaron Black
36. Joel Tippett
38. Majak Daw
40. Kayne Turner
42. Scott McMahon
43. Sam Gibson