Draftees Riley Hardeman, Taylor Goad and Wil Dawson are among six new AFL recruits set to feature in North Melbourne's round one VFL meeting with the Northern Bullants on Saturday.

First-round draft picks Dawson and Goad have been named as the Kangaroos' bookends for the match at Arden Street Oval, with key defender Dawson at full-back and 206cm Goad at full-forward.

Rookie selection Finnbar Maley will start in the ruck, while supplementary selection Tyler Sellers, who earned his spot on the AFL list after starring at reserves level last season, has been named in the forward pocket.

Hardeman slots into the half-backline alongside third-year players Miller Bergman and Jackson Archer.

Roos fans will also have their first opportunity to see tall Bigoa Nyuon in competitive action, after he crossed from Richmond during October's trade period.

Sam Lowson and fearless skipper Jack Watkins are among the VFL-listed players set to feature. The pair are fresh from their inclusions in the VFL's extended squad for next month's hotly anticipated state v state clash against a SANFL team.

Former Casey utility Deakyn Smith will get his first outing in North Melbourne colours after crossing from the Demons in the off-season.

Veteran Liam Shiels will start on the interchange bench after his omission from the AFL Round 2 side named on Thursday night, alongside Blake Drury and Hugh Greenwood.

Fencing has been removed from the newly resurfaced Arden Street Oval ahead of the game, with the opening bounce at 3.05pm.

How to follow the game

You can live stream the match free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App.

Follow the @NMFCreserves accounts on X, Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our results and best performers, and don't forget to use #Kangas.

Round 1

Saturday, March 23
North Melbourne vs Northern Bullants at Arden St Oval, 3.05pm AEDT