Defender Josh Goater will play his first game for North Melbourne in over two years after being selected for Sunday's match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium. 

Goater, who has endured two frustrating injury-affected seasons, last played for the Kangaroos in Round 1, 2024.

He is among three inclusions this week, alongside talls Callum Coleman-Jones and Wil Dawson.

Veteran Luke McDonald has been managed, Taylor Goad is omitted, while ruck Tristan Xerri is sidelined after he underwent surgery this week on a fractured jaw suffered against Richmond last Sunday.

Goater earned his recall with a superb performance 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.

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

Vice-captain Harry Sheezel will line up for his 82nd game for the Kangaroos, after signing a contract extension that ensures he will remain at Arden St until at least 2032. 

McDonald, Goad and Riley Hardeman are the Kangaroos' emergencies for Sunday's game, which starts at 3.15pm AEST.