North Melbourne could have its backline bolstered ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash against Carlton, with the potential returns of Charlie Comben and Jackson Archer.

Comben, who injured his shoulder in the Round 13 win over West Coast, will face a test during Thursday's main training session to determine his availability.

Archer returned via the VFL on Saturday from the high-grade hamstring injury he suffered in early May.

The lockdown back had 12 disposals and five intercepts across his limited game time and could be in the frame for a senior call-up.

Zane Duursma and Finnbar Maley kicked three goals each against Port Melbourne at Arden Street Oval, with Maley also taking nine marks for the day (three contested).

Callum Coleman-Jones again impressed for the reserves, grabbing 20 touches and eight marks. He's also been key to helping his side get the ball forward, winning 13 clearances across his past two matches.

Midfielder Will Phillips put in another strong shift, laying 12 tackles to go with 26 disposals.

The No.29 is pushing for his first senior appearance since Round 8, stringing together several standout VFL performances over the past six weeks.

Second-year Roo Geordie Payne continues to raise his hand for an AFL debut. The Tasmanian had one of his best games for the club on Saturday, finishing with 23 possessions, nine tackles and four score involvements against Port Melbourne.

Youngsters Matt Whitlock and Cooper Trembath, who were both playing in defence, were imposing in the air at Arden St, combining for 19 marks.

Mid-season pick-up Trembath notched 10 intercept possessions, while Whitlock went at 81 per cent efficiency with his 16 touches.

Brayden George booted two goals to put his name in the mix for a senior debut, while Cooper Harvey, who spent time at half-back over the weekend, gathered 21 disposals and kicked a goal when he returned to the forward line in the fourth quarter.