NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has complete confidence that emerging ruckman Todd Goldstein can handle the rucking duties solo against the Bulldogs' Ben Hudson and Will Minson on Saturday.

With Hamish McIntosh (shoulder), David Hale (back) and Drew Petrie (foot) all out of the side, the 21-year-old Goldstein will shoulder the ruck responsibility by himself.

Goldstein had 41 hit-outs in last week’s win over Adelaide and Scott said he was confident he could do the job again.

“It will be a really big challenge but Todd seems to rise to the occasion and we really have very little choice this week with both Hamish (McIntosh) and David Hale unavailable," Scott said.

"We’ll look to help Todd out wherever we can but we know that if we need him to ruck for four quarters he’s capable of doing that.

“He’s a very good endurance athlete for a big guy. He’s capable of rucking the whole game and we’ll support him where we can.”

Hale's absence has also opened the door for rookie forward Nathan O’Keefe, who will make his debut for the Kangaroos.

Scott said O'Keefe would be used as a key forward right from the first bounce.

“He’ll start forward and I’ve been really impressed with the way at Werribee he’s been able to get off his opponents and give a strong target up there," Scott said.

"Without David Hale we are looking for a young forward to step up and I’m sure he’ll do that for us."