North Melbourne will need to look to its key defensive stocks ahead of Saturday night’s clash against Essendon, with backman Griffin Logue set to miss the next 2-3 weeks due to a hamstring injury.

After a VFL Round 1 bye last weekend for the Kangaroos, exposed form at reserves level is limited for senior coach Alastair Clarkson and the match committee.

Young tall Wil Dawson shapes as a likely replacement for the hamstrung Logue.

Dawson made five senior appearances in 2025 and could be called upon to help combat Essendon forwards Peter Wright, Nate Caddy and Kyle Langford at Marvel Stadium.

Veteran defender Aidan Corr may be considered, having recently overcome a calf injury that hampered his pre-season.

Midfielder George Wardlaw, rebounding backman Riley Hardeman and forward Charlie Spargo were all declared fit to play ahead of Round 2 and will again raise their hands for selection.

Callum Coleman-Jones, Zac Banch and Robert Hansen jnr are also on the fringe of the starting 23, having been named as emergencies for two consecutive weeks.