NORTH Melbourne has promoted three players for Sunday's clash with the under-strength Demons, including forgotten defender Sam Durdin for his first game of the year.
The Kangaroos will be extra motivated to beat Melbourne, given the Dees' first-round draft pick this year is in North's hands after a deal last year.
Midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke and key forward Nick Larkey also return for the Kangaroos, who lost Ben Brown (knee) and dropped Will Walker and Lachie Hosie from Wednesday night's loss to Geelong.
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However, Kyron Hayden will miss a second straight game and veteran Jamie Macmillan will play his last match for the time being, before heading back to Victoria for the birth of his first child.
The Kangaroos' structure at either end will be a point of fascination, given Rhyce Shaw's team is suddenly loaded with talls and has a number of swingmen.
Durdin's played in attack on occasion, but largely in the backline, while Josh Walker and Majak Daw have also interchanged between those positions this season.
Even Ben McKay was drafted as a forward before settling in defence, where he will likely be again, alongside Robbie Tarrant.
"We're pretty much forced to do these changes, just because of the nature of the fixture," Shaw said.
"In saying that, too, it's great to give our guys some opportunities.
"We saw young Will Walker get back after so long out of the game (against Geelong) and it was fantastic to see him out there and we feel as though we've found something there.
"Lachie Hosie kicked two goals and we saw he could play at that level as well, but he still has a few things he can work on."
Shaw was unfussed about Melbourne being without triple All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn and tough midfielder Jack Viney, pointing to North continuing to miss several key contributors.
Ben Cunnington (back), captain Jack Ziebell (hamstring), Tarryn Thomas (ankle), Brown – who the Roos hope will recover in time to face Brisbane next week – and Curtis Taylor (knee) remain sidelined.
"They're obviously key players for the Dees, but we certainly know what key outs look like as well," Shaw said.
"We have our fair share coming into this game and have for a while now, but certainly they're big outs for the Dees. It doesn't really change our mindset going into the game.
"Goldy's going really well and it would have been an unbelievable match-up (with Gawn) to see those two go head-to-head again, but it's not to be and hopefully we can get an advantage."
