NORTH Melbourne father-son recruit Luke McDonald will make his AFL debut on Friday night when the Kangaroos host Essendon at Etihad Stadium in their round one match.

McDonald was taken at pick No.8 in the 2013 NAB AFL draft.

The 19-year-old defender is the son of North's former key forward and current director of stakeholder relations and club culture Donald McDonald.

Luke McDonald said coach Brad Scott had told him to not change a thing from his pre-season.

"I've been picked for a reason and that's because of the way I've gone about it so far," McDonald told the club's website.

Preview: North Melbourne v Essendon

"When he told me out the front of my locker a lot of the boys got around me and it was very exciting."

According to acting captain Drew Petrie, the 19-year-old is well-equipped to handle the step up to senior level after plying his trade for Werribee in the VFL last season, playing 15 games and booting seven goals for the Tigers.

"Most kids who come into the comp these days haven't played against men, whereas Luke got the chance to do that at Werribee last year," Petrie said.

"Luke has got a good tank, he's got a nice left foot on him and he's pretty competitive – he's got a bit of aggression, like his old man had – so that's what Luke can add to our side.

"And we're not expecting much from Luke in his first game, his first year at the footy club. 

"It's just to do the basic things well, and beat his opponent, and give us a bit of run when he can."