North Melbourne has made two changes to its side for Thursday night's prime time match against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Midfielder George Wardlaw returns from injury, while defender Riley Hardeman has been recalled for his fifth game of the 2026 season.

Wardlaw's return is a welcome boost for the team after he missed the past month with a hamstring strain, while Hardeman earned his recall on the back of 23 possessions and six marks against Box Hill in the VFL.

Josh Goater is being managed and comes out of the team that fell to Hawthorn last weekend, while Bailey Scott has been omitted.

Scott, Oliver Griffin and Robert Hansen jnr are the Kangaroos' emergencies for the 7.30pm AEST match at Marvel Stadium.