After a week off for State of Origin, North Melbourne's VFL affiliates return to action this weekend.

Scott McMahon also makes his long awaited comeback, running out for Werribee on Saturday afternoon.

While it's been a frustrating wait for the experienced defender having suffered a bout of urticaria, his presence will boost a Werribee back-line already boasting several North Melbourne listed players. Currently sitting in fifth place, a win against Collingwood at Avalon Airport Oval could propel the Tigers into the top four.

Ayden Kennedy and Cam Pedersen will hold down the key defensive positions, while in the midfield the likes of Will Sierakowski, Malcolm Lynch and Ben Speight will be looking to help Werribee notch up its sixth win of the season.

With the mid-season rookie promotion period nearing, Sam Gibson's will need to continue his strong recent form if he is to put his hand up for the vacant position on the senior list.

North Ballarat will be playing in the curtain raiser to Geelong's AFL match on Saturday morning as it looks to resurrect its season. Sitting in 11th place after a heavy loss to Box Hill, the Roosters and coach Gerard Fitzgerald will look to the Kangaroos’ players to have an impact.

Lindsay Thomas will play in attack after being a late withdrawal from the North Melbourne side last week. After kicking 16 goals in three games during his spell in the VFL last season, Thomas' forward presence could prove vital for the visitors.

Having been named an emergency for the Kangaroos this week, Matt Campbell is drawing closer to a recall. Another strong showing this weekend could see his name in lights.

Liam Anthony is another who’ll be hoping to impress. His best-on-ground performance a fortnight ago wasn’t enough to earn a call-up, but another similar effort will surely bring him closer to a return.

Werribee v Collingwood
Saturday 2nd June
Avalon Airport Oval
2:00pm

Werribee Squad

B: Brad Mangan, Ayden Kennedy, Hartigan
HB: Scott McMahon, Cam Pedersen, Harding
C: Will Sierakowski, Tuck, Malcolm Lynch
HF: Ben Warren, Robbie Tarrant, Ben Speight
F: Sam Gibson, Ben McKinley, Castello
Fol: Majak Daw, Ross, Sharp
Int: Sullivan, Mather, Martiniello, Moloney, Ruggles, Ablett, Fairley, Wormald, Purton-Smith

Geelong v North Ballarat
Saturday 2nd June
Simonds Stadium
10:00am

North Ballarat Squad

B: Hoy, Searl, Greig
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Darmody, Brad McKenzie
C: Towers, Liam Anthony, Cam Richardson
HF: Austin, George, Tom Curran
F: Lindsay Thomas, McMahon, Driscoll
Fol: Ben Mabon, Matt Campbell, Sewell
Int: Lynch, Giampaolo, Conroy, Schache, Evans, Micallef, Valentine, Warren, Couch