Highly-regarded North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan will return to AFL action for the first time since mid-April as the Kangaroos complete their finals' preparation against lowly Melbourne on Saturday.
Coach Brad Scott confirmed on Wednesday that Macmillan, key position player Lachie Hansen and two-time best and fairest winner Daniel Wells would all be included to take on the Demons.
Among those likely to be rested a week out from the finals campaign are experienced defender Michael Firrito and impressive first-year player Luke McDonald, both of whom have enjoyed standout 2014 campaigns.
Macmillan played all 45 senior games for the Kangaroos in 2012 and 2013, but has been sidelined for much of this year after sustaining a serious leg injury against Port Adelaide in round three.
He has done enough since returning via the VFL in mid-August to earn a senior recall on the eve of the finals.
"It probably reflects the standing in which we hold him," said Scott of the 22-year-old Macmillan.
"He's an important player for us, a really smart player and a good emerging young leader.
"He has had a good steady buildup and played reasonably well last week.
"We think he'll come in and have an impact but he's going to have to fight for his spot like a lot of others."
Hansen had been set to return from a hip injury in last weekend's narrow win over Adelaide in Hobart, only to be withdrawn shortly before the opening bounce after pulling up sore.
Wells was an automatic inclusion against Melbourne after serving a one-week suspension.
Former Richmond goalsneak Robbie Nahas has overcome a shoulder injury and will play in the VFL this weekend, while inexperienced tall Joel Tippett could also resume in the reserves.
"It's a fit and available list," said Scott.
"The players are in good form and Hansen, Wells and Macmillan will all come back into the side this week as well so the challenge for spots is really pleasing.
"In terms of our health we're the best we've been all year."
The Kangaroos are likely to finish sixth and host Essendon in an elimination final in the first weekend of September.
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