A number of North Melbourne players are pushing hard for a call-up to the senior side ahead of the Kangaroos' biggest home and away fixture of the season.

North's VFL program had a bye last weekend and players who are pushing to be named may not have been afforded as much of an opportunity to press their claims as they would have liked, but good form and strong training performances have kept the pressure on those named in last week's side.

North Media looks at who is in the mix.

The concussion suffered by Cam Zurhaar against the Swans means he's a certainty to miss the Good Friday SuperClash with the Western Bulldogs, and it opens up a spot in the forward line for a number of potential options.

Eddie Ford looks to be the most like for like replacement for 'The Bull' due to his size, athleticism and aggression in the contest. He missed the Sydney game due to health and safety protocols but has since returned to training.

If David Noble looks to go taller for Zurhaar's replacement then he has two strong options in Charlie Comben and Callum Coleman-Jones.

Comben has been a wonderful aerial presence in the VFL so far this season. He kicked two goals in the Round 1 victory against Williamstown and added another to his tally against the Lions a week later.

His run of injuries during his time at Arden Street has been frustrating, so to see a fit and firing Comben playing well at reserve level and pressing for selection is a brilliant sight for North fans.

Coleman-Jones has been unsighted at senior level since Round 1 and currently finds himself behind Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri in the ruck pecking order, however the club could opt to play him as a genuine key forward in support of Nick Larkey this weekend.

'CJ' has been playing primarily in the ruck at VFL level so far this season, but he did sneak forward to kick a goal in Round 1 and has consistently provided a strong marking target up the line in the reserves.

Should the side elect to run with a smaller and more nimble forward line, Paul Curtis could be in line for a senior debut while Charlie Lazzaro has shown the ability to play forward in his short time in the AFL system and could add some versatility to the side.

Lazzaro will have some good memories against the Bulldogs having kicked his first senior goal in the Good Friday fixture last year, while Curtis has been a consistent goal threat at reserve level all season and has put on some obvious size and strength since being drafted.

Tom Powell missed last week's clash with soreness but has returned to training and is available for selection this week. The inside midfielder has shown his class upon his return to senior football this season and could add some silk to the middle of the ground.

Kyron Hayden and Miller Bergman were named as emergencies last week and could come in to supplement the Kangaroos' defence. Hayden would add some much desired power and athleticism to the line while Bergman offers brilliant run and ball-use as a modern rebounding defender.

While they won't be competing for a spot in the seniors this week, Will Phillips and Jed Anderson are both expected to make their returns via the VFL team this weekend and could be available sooner rather than later.