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.

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

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.