Ben Warren is set to debut for North Melbourne this weekend after being named in the 25 man squad for the round 4 match against Essendon.

Warren, originally recruited from the Zillmere Eagles in Queensland, faces a tough initiation as the Kangaroos take on the in-form Bombers after their big win against Carlton.

The 20 year-old played 19 matches for North Melbourne’s VFL affiliate Werribee in 2008 and was a stand-out at training throughout the summer.

He was picked up by North Melbourne in the 2006 National Draft, with the club's fifth round selection.

While the debut of Warren is exciting news for Kangaroos' fans, Daniel Wells is set to miss the match with a hip injury.

The star midfielder was ruled out of the side by North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley at a press conference this morning after doubts over his fitness during the week.

"He won't play this weekend, he's had some scans, he's a little bit sore and he'll be rested until he's back 100%." Laidley said.

First round draft pick Jack Ziebell and defender turned midfielder Leigh Harding will be assessed in the next two days. Ziebell's back and Harding's knee putting them in some doubt.

The possible exclusions of Ziebell and Harding could pave the way for youngster Levi Greenwood to be the second North Melbourne player to debut on Sunday.

The courageous defender played 20 games for Werribee in 2008 and was unlucky not to break into the side late in the season.

North Melbourne
B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Daniel Pratt
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Lachlan Hansen, Josh Gibson
C: Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito, Leigh Harding
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Ed Lower, Josh Smith, Sam Power, Andrew Swallow
Emg: Levi Greenwood, Daniel Harris, Todd Goldstein

In: Warren, Lower
Out: Daniel Wells (hip), Corey Jones

New: Ben Warren (Zillmere Eagles)

Essendon
B: Dustin Fletcher, Darcy Daniher, Henry Slattery
HB: Tayte Pears, Adam McPhee, Courtenay Dempsey
C: Angus Monfries, Brent Stanton, Ricky Dyson
HF: Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas, David Zaharakis
F: Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
I/C: Hayden Skipworth, Mark McVeigh, Michael Quinn, Jay Nash
Emg: Leroy Jetta, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray

In: McVeigh, McPhee, Quinn
Out: David Myers, Heath Hocking (toe), Leroy Jetta