Versatile ruckman Taylor Goad will make his AFL debut on Saturday when North Melbourne takes on West Coast at Optus Stadium.

A South Australian product taken with pick 20 of the 2023 AFL Draft, Goad learned the news from senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday.

The 21-year-old has spent three seasons honing his craft in the VFL, lining up primarily as the main ruck while also showing his versatility with stints in defence.

He has been a strong performer in the reserves this season. In Round 4, he was dominant against Sandringham, racking up 41 hitouts, six tackles and a goal, before kicking two goals from 12 disposals against Gold Coast in Round 9 to help seal a comeback victory.

Goad is set to become Shinboner No.1079 and will be North Melbourne’s first AFL debutant since Lachy Dovaston and Tom Blamires made their maiden League appearances in Round 1 this season.

Goad will become the fifth and final member of the Kangaroos' 2023 National Draft class to play at the highest level, joining Colby McKercher (pick 2), Zane Duursma (pick 4), Wil Dawson (pick 22) and Riley Hardeman (pick 23).