The 21-year-old will be joined by Ed Lower and 19-year-old debutant Ben Ross in the Roos' line-up, with David Hale (quad), Andrew Swallow and Leigh Harding (both omitted) making way for the trio.
Smith has endured a series of problems with the ankle he broke on the eve of the 2006 season, but managed to string together 19 games during the Roos' run to a preliminary final appearance last year.
He was best on ground in North's win over Hawthorn during last year's semi-final and had put in a near flawless pre-season until his ankle issues resurfaced just prior to the Christmas break.
Although plans to move Smith into the midfield have been shelved for the time being, he is expected to slot seamlessly into the Roos' back six as he did in his return from injury in round six last year.
Lower also makes his return to the side after he was left out of the senior team in a number of the club's pre-season trial matches.
The former South Australian was one of the Kangaroos' best in the 87-point loss to Port Adelaide in last year's second preliminary final but found it difficult to edge his way into the club's senior team in the lead-up to the season.
His hopes of a speedy return to the level were put on hold when he was suspended for one round of the VFL season, but put in a solid showing during North Ballarat's 52-point win over the Bendigo Bombers last week.
Debutant Ross has been impressive in each of his appearances for VFL side Werribee after he spent a season with North's former VFL affiliate Tasmania in 2007.
The 179cm midfielder/forward enjoyed a productive pre-season and gained valuable experience in senior company during the Roos' NAB Challenge matches.
The newcomer will wear the No. 15 guernsey vacated by Kasey Green, who retired at the end of 2007 after two years with North Melbourne.
