Jed Anderson is a late out for the clash against Essendon. Picture: AFL Photos

NORTH Melbourne has been dealt a blow with midfielder Jed Anderson ruled out of Saturday night's clash with Essendon due to a quad injury.

The hard-nosed Kangaroo was a late withdrawal with a quad injury for the clash at Metricon Stadium, with Marley Williams brought back into the line-up.

FOLLOW IT LIVE Dons v Roos

It leaves the Roos' midfield down another key player with Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell also missing through injury. 

01:24

Williams had been left out of the clash after last week's loss to the Western Bulldogs but has won a reprieve.

The Roos are hoping to break a three-game losing streak in the contest, with Essendon heading into the game unchanged.