Jack Ziebell will return to the North Melbourne lineup for the clash against St Kilda on Sunday.

The captain replaces Aaron Mullett, who will miss the game with a calf injury.

On Thursday, North coach Brad Scott said the club and specialists were confident Ziebell is at little risk of further damaging his injured left foot.

"We're really confident that there's very little risk – I mean there's always a risk in any contact sport – but the surgeon's advice is that he's right to play, and it's pain-permitting, so that rarely stops Jack."

Youngster Ben McKay will have to wait at least another week for his first AFL game, named as an emergency alongside Jed Anderson and Josh Williams.

Backs S.Durdin 24 R.Tarrant 25 D.Nielson 26
Half Backs S.Atley 18 S.Thompson 16 R.Clarke 13
Centreline D.Mountford 42 T.Dumont 14 S.Gibson 43
Half Forwards L.McDonald 11 B.Preuss 31 K.Turner 28
Forwards S.Higgins 4 B.Brown 50 J.Simpkin 21
Followers T.Goldstein 22 A.Swallow 9 B.Cunnington 10
Interchange J.Ziebell 7 N.Hrovat 8 T.Garner 27 C.Zurhaar 44
Emergencies J.Anderson 3 B.McKay 23 J.Williams 36

In: J.Ziebell
Out: A.Mullett (Calf)