Christian Petracca and Harry Sheezel share a hug before the R7 match between Melbourne and North Melbourne at the MCG on April 29, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

OFF THE back of a stirring win over Richmond in the Anzac Day eve clash, thanks largely to young gun Jacob van Rooyen's three last-quarter goals, Melbourne faces North Melbourne in a primetime match at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Dees are looking to continue their push for a top-four berth, while the Roos - having won their opening two games of the season - are coming off a fourth straight loss.

DEMONS v KANGAROOS Follow it LIVE

The Roos have been dealt a blow with important midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke sitting out the match against the Dees with a heel injury. They will be bolstered however by the return of co-captain Jy Simpkin from a hand injury, with Callum Coleman-Jones also included. Will Phillips and Dan Howe have been dropped.

Josh Schache will play his first game for the Dees, with Harrison Petty out due to concussion.

02:44

Match Previews R7: Melbourne v North Melbourne

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Demons and the Kangaroos at the MCG.

Melbourne v North Melbourne at the MCG, 7.25pm AEST

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SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: James Harmes
North Melbourne: Daniel Howe

The final game of the day sees struggling West Coast up against Carlton at Optus Stadium.

There are plenty of question marks over the Blues at the moment after falling to Adelaide two weeks ago and then St Kilda last Sunday.

EAGLES v BLUES Follow it LIVE

But this match comes at a good time for Michael Voss' men, up against an Eagles side with an ever-growing injury list.

Sam Docherty's shock inclusion is welcome news for Blues fans, with the important defender recovering faster than expected from knee surgery. Adam Saad is also an important inclusion, with the Blues sorely missing his pace off half-back last week against St Kilda. Matthew Kennedy has been omitted, while Jesse Motlop has been suspended and Lachie Cowan managed. Brodie Kemp comes into the team for the first time since round 16 last year.

Shannon Hurn is back for the Eagles, but Luke Shuey is out again with a hamstring injury. Zane Trew has been dropped, while forward Xavier O'Neill has been recalled.

02:53

Match Previews R7: West Coast v Carlton

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Eagles and the Blues at Optus Stadium.

West Coast v Carlton at Optus Stadium, 5.30pm AWST

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SUBSTITUTES
West Coast: Rhett Bazzo
Carlton: Matthew Kennedy

Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium, 4.35pm AEST

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SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Toby McLean
Hawthorn: Jack Scrimshaw

BULLDOGS v HAWKS Follow it LIVE

Sydney v Greater Western Sydney at the SCG, 2.10pm AEST

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Sydney: Marc Sheather
Greater Western Sydney: Harry Rowston

SWANS v GIANTS Full match coverage and stats

Brisbane v Fremantle at the Gabba, 1.45pm AEST
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SUBSTITUTES
Brisbane: Noah Answerth
Fremantle: Neil Erasmus

LIONS v DOCKERS Full match coverage and stats