Pratt, who was helped from the field after being cannoned into by Brendan Fevola in the Kangaroos first round NAB Cup clash, has had somewhat of a miraculous recovery after initial fears that he had broken his ribs or suffered internal damage.
Vice-captain Drew Petrie is also set to make his return after a week on the sidelines. The versatile big man booted five goals in North Melbourne’s 97 point win against Fremantle two weeks ago, but was rested against Port Adelaide last week.
Relishing his role as a key forward in the pre-season, Petrie will be looking to put in another strong performance against a full-strength Essendon line-up which includes the likes of Lloyd, Lucas, Fletcher and Hille.
The Kangaroos will boast a strong forward line with Hale, Campbell and Thomas and the rejuvenated Shannon Watt set to complete an exciting attack.
After a best-on-ground performance last week, first year player Liam Anthony is expected to play an important role through the midfield once again, while Michael Firrito will be pivotal to the Kangaroos chances running out of defence.
North Melbourne will take on Essendon at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo from 4.30pm, this Friday 13 March.
Memberships and merchandise will be available from 3.30pm until half-time.
Match-day members will receive free entry to the match.
North Melbourne’s unplaced squad of 29 for Friday night’s NAB Challenge match against Essendon at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo from 4.30pm is as follows:
1. Liam Anthony (44)
2. Matt Campbell (33)
3. Michael Firrito (11)
4. Josh Gibson (38)
5. Todd Goldstein (22)
6. Levi Greenwood (24)
7. Nathan Grima (17)
8. David Hale (31)
9. Lachlan Hansen (6)
10. Leigh Harding (39)
11. Brent Harvey (29)
12. Corey Jones (21)
13. Ed Lower (2)
14. Hamish McIntosh (1)
15. Scott McMahon (42)
16. Drew Petrie (20)
17. Sam Power (5)
18. Daniel Pratt (30)
19. Ben Ross (15)
20. Brady Rawlings (3)
21. Adam Simpson (7)
22. Josh Smith (18)
23. Lindsay Thomas (12)
24. Scott Thompson (16)
25. Gavin Urquhart (14)
26. Benjamin Warren (35)
27. Shannon Watt (36)
28. Daniel Wells (8)
29. Jack Ziebell (19)
Essendon's squad is as follows:
1. Neagle, Jay
2. Dyson, Ricky
4. Watson, Jobe
5. Stanton, Brent
6. Monfries, Angus
7. Jetta, Leroy
8. Winderlich, Jason
11. Zaharakis, David
13. Lovett, Andrew
14. Lonergan, Sam
15. Dempsey, Courtenay
17. Nash, Jay
18. Lloyd, Matthew
19. Hille, David
20. Slattery, Henry
21. Skipworth, Hayden
22. Hurley, Michael
23. Myers, David
25. Lucas, Scott
28. Daniher, Darcy
29. Davey, Alwyn
30. Ryder, Patrick
31. Fletcher, Dustin
33. McPhee, Adam
38. Atkinson, Jarrod
39. Hocking, Heath
42. Lovett-Murray, Nathan
43. Houli, Bachar
44. Bellchambers, Tom
