North Melbourne has included a mix of youth and experience in its initial 26-man squad to take on Hawthorn.

Ben Cunnington has been named in the starting 22, presented by The Wharf Hotel, while Jack Mahony, Tristan Xerri, Tom Campbell and Marley Williams are on an extended interchange bench.

Williams will look to make his return after missing the opening two games through suspension, having performed well in a scratch match last week.

Mahony was a standout in the same game, booting three goals, while Xerri took several towering marks throughout the day.

The pair are right in the mix for an AFL debut, as Tom Campbell continues to put his hand up for a recall, having taken out the club's VFL Best and Fairest last year.

The final team will be announced at 5pm AEST on Friday.

In: Marley Williams, Ben Cunnington, Jack Mahony, Tristan Xerri, Tom Campbell
Out: Mason Wood