North Melbourne is set to choose from a much deeper pool of players for Sunday's clash with the Sydney Swans.

Seven players were unavailable for the last game against Essendon, six having tested positive for COVID-19, while defender Flynn Perez was suspended.

Perez is once more available, and could come in for Jackson Archer after the father-son recruit sustained a hip injury in the defeat to the Bombers.

It has been a fruitful season for the Bendigo product, having played 14 games since his Round 4 return from consecutive knee reconstructions.

Atu Bosenavulagi is another option if Archer doesn’t come up, in the event that interim senior coach Leigh Adams prefers a back pocket to a half-back.

Having been on personal leave since the Round 15 game against Adelaide, Tarryn Thomas dazzled in his return through the reserves.

In the wake of the Essendon game, Adams highlighted how North Melbourne lacked chemistry between the onballers and the forwards.

Thomas may benefit from more time at the reserve grade, but his elusive movement, run and calculated ball use could solve that riddle for the Roos.

Club champion Ben Cunnington could also step out for the first time since Round 19, 2021.

The team has yearned for his experience around the contest all season, and may have just days to wait.

Adams has acknowledged Cunnington is more likely to return through the reserves, but has left the door to the seniors ajar.

Defenders Aaron Hall and Aidan Corr could return to the back six, the former having come out of isolation over the weekend and the latter set to train before Sunday.

If it's not to be, Jaidyn Stephenson has impressed in Hall's position, while Josh Walker will need a run having been an unused substitute on Sunday.

Paul Curtis' pressure and forward craft was missed last Sunday, despite his relative inexperience as a first-year player.

Valued by coaches, teammates and supporters for his tackling, taps and touch with the ball, the 19-year-old will by Sunday have had a week out of isolation to prepare.

Jack Mahony and Lachie Young will be eligible to feature by Sunday, but will have had little opportunity to train having returned positive tests on the last match day.