A returning George Wardlaw joins debutant Riley Hardeman as one of North Melbourne's two inclusions for Saturday's clash with the Crows.

Wardlaw was managed last weekend as part of a strategic plan that's in place for the second-year Roo, given his history of injuries through his draft year and debut League campaign.

Hardeman will become the fifth player to make their AFL debut for the club this season, after it was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon during a team meeting.

03:50

First Year Player Quiz unveils newest debutant

First-year Kanga Riley Hardeman finds out that he'll be making his AFL debut against the Crows

The hard-running half-back was selected with the 23rd pick of the 2023 National Draft, and has displayed his line-breaking ability and speed throughout his four VFL appearances.

Eddie Ford goes out of the side having failed to overcome a hip injury that led to the forward being subbed out during the loss to Hawthorn, while Tyler Sellers has been omitted.

02:53

'NO WAY!': Hardemans hear Riley's good news

Riley Hardeman calls up his mum and dad to let them know that he's making his League debut on Saturday

Zac Fisher, Will Phillips, Dylan Stephens, Tom Powell, and Blake Drury have been named on the interchange bench, with one to be named substitute at 12.45pm on Saturday afternoon, an hour before the opening bounce.

Stephens is set to bring up 50 AFL games on Saturday, after notching 43 games as a Swan and six so far as a Roo.

Hugh Greenwood, Jackson Archer, and Miller Bergman have been named as the three emergencies