Defenders Josh Goater and Riley Hardeman are among the Kangaroos in contention for Sunday's match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium. 

The young pair are among four potential inclusions in North Melbourne's extended squad for Round 16.

They are joined in the squad by talls Callum Coleman-Jones and Wil Dawson.

Ruck Tristan Xerri is the only confirmed out, after he underwent surgery this week on a fractured jaw suffered against Richmond last Sunday.

Goater, who has endured two frustrating injury-affected seasons since his last game for the club in Round 1, 2024, was superb in the backline in last weekend's VFL win over Richmond. 

He gathered 27 disposals, nine intercepts and seven rebound 50s in the 63-point win over the Tigers, while Hardeman won 26 disposals, six marks and five intercepts on his return from a concussion.

Coleman-Jones (18 disposals, 14 hitouts) and Dawson (21 disposals, 14 hitouts) impressed while sharing ruck duties in that match.

North Melbourne will finalise its selected team of 23 players at 5pm AEST on Friday.