REBORN defender Majak Daw will get another opportunity to press his case for round one in a VFL practice game this Saturday, after being "exposed" in his new role in North Melbourne's first JLT Community Series game.

Daw was dropped for the Kangaroos' second pre-season hit-out after he struggled against Melbourne duo Christian Petracca and Jesse Hogan last month.

But coach Brad Scott says the burly Roo has the capabilities to thrive at full-back and will get another chance to find some form this weekend against Williamstown ahead of the season opener next Saturday.

"He's got the capability to play back, he needs to learn the fundamentals of one-on-one defending, and he got exposed a little bit against Melbourne against Petracca and Hogan," Scott told SEN on Thursday morning.

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"Given it's the first time he's ever played defence in his life, we were pleased with some of the other things he did.

"We think he can develop and he's certainly got the attributes to do it.

"We'll see how he goes on Saturday. He'll play at Arden Street at full-back with young Ben McKay as our other key back, and we're looking forward to seeing how the two boys work together."

The move of Daw to defence comes as Scott attempts to give the 27-year-old "some clear direction" and the chance to make a spot in the side his own.

With Braydon Preuss and Todd Goldstein to compete for the No.1 ruck spot and Ben Brown settled at full-forward, options for the 195cm Daw are limited, which has led to his opportunity to find a home down back.

Meanwhile, Scott reiterated that midfielder Luke McDonald would be in the selection frame for the round one clash with Gold Coast despite being suspended from the second JLT game against Richmond.

McDonald, 23, was among a group of players who consumed alcohol together in Hobart on the Roos' recent community camp, despite the club cautioning the players about drinking after Jy Simpkin's pre-season run-in with a motorcyclist.

Scott said it was "a very, very minor indiscretion", but acknowledged McDonald's "poor decision".

"We're very clear to our group with what's expected of them, particularly on a community camp where they're representing the club," Scott said.

"Luke went away from that, he paid the price, but we very quickly move on and he'll be available for round one."