Small forward Lachy Dovaston and defender Tom Blamires will make their debuts in North Melbourne's 2026 season opener against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The pair learned the news at Arden St on Wednesday from Head of Football Todd Viney and senior coach Alastair Clarkson. 

Dovaston, who played his local footy for Blackburn in Melbourne's eastern suburbs, became a Kangaroo with pick No.16 in November's Telstra AFL Draft.

He earned his Round 1 selection with a series of eye-catching performances during the pre-season.

He kicked three goals in a quarter in last month's intraclub at Arden St, then backed that up with a further three goals in the AAMI Community Series victory over Collingwood, including the match-winner.

He will become Shinboner No.1077.

Blamires (pronounced: Bla-MYERS) earns a debut only two weeks after arriving at Arden St as a supplemental selection period (SSP) signing.

The young defender was working in Collingwood's commercial department in January and preparing for a VFL season with the Frankston Dolphins, when the Kangaroos rang to invite him to train with the club.

After an impressive series of performances, the Roos confirmed him last month as their final signing ahead of the 2026 season.

Blamires' recruitment continued the much-trumpeted streak of Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal winners finding their way onto an AFL list. 

He earned the medal last year as the VFL's best young player, and followed the 18 previous recipients in graduating to the AFL, joining the likes of Michael Barlow, Kane Lambert and Bayley Fritsch. 

He will become Shinboner No.1076.

The Kangaroos' full Round 1 squad will be revealed on Thursday at 6.20pm AEDT.