North Melbourne draftee George Wardlaw is in line to make his AFL debut this weekend after a wave of injuries left the Kanagroos' Round 9 side heavily hindered.

Alastair Clarkson will be without defender Aidan Corr through suspension, with the club deciding against challenging the backman's striking charge on Monday.

The suspension was handed down a day after the Roos recorded five injuries in their loss to Port Adelaide, with Luke Davies-Unaicke (hamstring), Darcy Tucker (hamstring), Cam Zurhaar (face), Jack Mahony (shoulder) and Flynn Perez (concussion) all picking up ailments in the 68-point defeat.

While Perez will be automatically sidelined for a minimum 12 days under the AFL's concussion protocols, the club are yet to confirm the extent of their further four injuries, however as many as six changes could be made for Round 10.

That handful of forced selection calls is likely to open the door for North Melbourne's in-form pack of players that have plied their trade in the VFL over recent weeks.

Tall forward Callum Coleman-Jones booted nine goals against Frankston on Saturday to find some form at the state league level, while dropped veteran Ben Cunnington was also among the best performers against the Dolphins.

Wardlaw, taken with the fourth overall pick in last year's National Draft, booted two goals and had 18 disposals in his fifth appearance of the year to stake his claim for a debut, a dream that might just become a reality this weekend.

George Wardlaw and Ben Cunnington during the 2022 AFL National Draft (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Sports)

North Melbourne co-captain Jy Simpkin backed Wardlaw to be in the selection mix for the week ahead, as Clarkson looks to sort his magnets for Saturday's clash against Sydney.

"(Wardlaw)'s definitely a chance this week," Simpkin told reporters on Monday morning.

"He's done everything he can to put his hand up... In the phonebox, around the contested hall, he brings effort and intensity.

"We don't want to put too much pressure on him but we're excited."

Troubled young gun Tarryn Thomas is another name in line for a potentially reprieve for Round 10, having played his second game of VFL football over the weekend after being stood down by the club and left to train with the club's reserves.

Thomas had been required to spend time away from Arden Street on two occasions this year alone following serious allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women, with the 23-year-old eventually welcomed back to the club's football program.

The midfielder will make his return to the club's senior program on Monday, with Thomas potentially putting his hand up at training this week for a recall to face the Swans.

"He'll come in later today. Tarryn's done everything he can to get back to the program," the Roos co-captain confirmed.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 07: Aaron Hall and Tarryn Thomas of the Kangaroos look dejected after losing the round 21 AFL match between Richmond Tigers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 07, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"I spoke to him earlier. I'm comfortable with where he's at and looking forward to having him back."

Simpkin confirmed a final call on Thomas' playing status will be made by Clarkson and football boss Todd Viney.

The Tasmanian product last played at AFL level in Round 15 last year.