North Melbourne fans will get their first look at recruit Zac Fisher in his new colours this week, with the former Carlton forward confirmed to face Collingwood at Wednesday's practice match.
Having suffered a recent hamstring injury, Fisher was placed in some doubt for the Roos' pair of pre-season matches against the Magpies and Saints, however a mini pre-season training block has brought the new Roo into the frame to face Collingwood.
"Zac has just finished his peak loading phase of footy-specific work and running conditioning, as well as increasing his hamstring work in gym," North Melbourne performance boss Kevin White told NMFC Media.
"The block of training was set up as a mini pre-season for Zac, with a couple of interruptions to his pre-season warranting a need for consistency to his training in keeping him healthy moving forward."
Unfortunately, father-son Kanagroo Jackson Archer will miss the next three weeks of action after suffering a setback in his recovery from a groin injury.
A plantaris injury last week in rehabilitation has forced the young North Melbourne backman to miss his club's pair of practice matches, and potentially a Round 1 spot against GWS next month.
Wingman Bailey Scott is a chance to face the Saints at RSEA Park next Sunday as he continues to recover from a recent calf strain.
The Kangaroos have also revealed injured trio Aidan Corr (ankle), Luke McDonald (hamstring) and Eddie Ford (ankle) are unavailable for selection for this week's game.
"Over the past week, (Scott) has made significant improvements both in his strength markers along with on-field running conditioning," White added.
"We will take a conservative approach in building Bailey through a strong week of football conditioning.
"Missing our peak team training phase with the squad through their injuries, it is critical that we set them up with as strong a base as possible for 2024.
"(Corr, Ford and McDonald) are currently finishing the final week of extensive training this week in preparation for practice game participation against St Kilda next week."
Ruckman Hamish Free is also unavailable for selection this week due to concussion, however, duo Paul Curtis and Hugh Greenwood will be able to face the Magpies despite recent ankle injuries.
Collingwood will host North Melbourne at the AIA Centre on Wednesday morning at 10:00am.