Returning for his first game of the year and the 99th of his career, Daniel Pratt has had to bide his time at VFL level but says his coach made the correct decision in delaying a call-up.

"He (Scott) hasn't bowed to the pressure of people saying anything. He's really just stuck to his guns and said, 'No, you've got to get fit' and that's what I'm doing," he told kangaroos.com.au on Wednesday.

While Pratt is desperate to impress down back, Josh Smith will be looking for a bag of goals at the other end following the omission of youngster Ben Warren.

The 24 year-old has been in fine form with the Roosters in recent weeks having booted 12 majors in five matches.

Meanwhile Levi Greenwood is straight back in the side after being a late withdrawal on Saturday night. Due to start on the ball, Greenwood could be in line for a tagging job on one of the Crows' dangerous ball winners.

Ben Cunnington has earned another opportunity after an encouraging display on the weekend. The Roos' opening pick in last year’s draft has been named alongside Jack Ziebell and Ryan Bastinac in the middle, evidence that an exciting future looms at North Melbourne.

B: M.Firrito 11 S.Thompson 16 B.Rawlings 3
HB: N.Grima 17 L.Hansen 6 D.Pratt 30
C: J.Ziebell 7 B.Cunnington 10 R.Bastinac 28
HF: A.Edwards 27 J.Smith 18 B.Harvey 29
F: D.Wells 8 D.Hale 31 L.Thomas 12
R: H.McIntosh 1 A.Swallow 9 L.Greenwood 24
INT: S.McMahon 42 T.Goldstein 22 C.Garlett 32 S.Wright 19
EMERG: N.O'Keefe 23 M.Campbell 33 L.Harding 39

In: D.Pratt , J.Smith , L.Greenwood
Out: L.Adams (inj - hamstring) , L.Anthony (inj - shoulder) , B.Warren (omit)