Colby McKercher remains in contention to play in North Melbourne's season opener, having been named in the Kangaroos' extended squad for Sunday's Round 1 match against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium.
McKercher, who underwent minor finger surgery last month, is named on the Roos' eight-man extended bench.
Veteran defender Luke McDonald is also named on the bench after returning from a wrist injury in last weekend's VFL practice match against Geelong.
As revealed on Wednesday, small forward Lachy Dovaston and defender Tom Blamires will make their AFL debuts against the Power.
Blamires, who will debut just two weeks after being recruited as a pre-season supplementary signing, has been named on a half-back flank along with second-year player Finn O'Sullivan.
Dovaston, who arrived at Arden St as the No.16 pick in last November's Telstra AFL Draft, is named on the forward line along with new club captain Nick Larkey.
The Kangaroos will finalise their selected team of 23 players at 5pm on Friday.
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats from 12.45pm on Sunday to see the club reveal its 2026 goal ends, and for pre-game entertainment, including the chance to win a CHiQ TV.
The opening bounce at Marvel Stadium is at 1.10pm AEDT.
