North Melbourne Mid-Season Draft signing Zac Banch will make his AFL debut on Saturday when the Roos make the trip to the SCG to face Sydney.
Banch was taken with the second overall pick in May's intake, landing at Arden Street following a strong start to his year with VFL outfit Werribee.
The 22-year-old kicked eight goals in his last five games with the 'Bees before being drafted, and has since gone at two goals per game in the blue and white at the same level.
Banch's debut will be North Melbourne's fifth for the year, with the club also seeing Finn O'Sullivan, Matt Whitlock, Finnbar Maley and Jacob Konstanty play their first game in 2025.
The small forward will make his maiden appearance in the top flight against an in-form Swans outfit that's still in the mix for a finals finish.
The game could see Banch come head-to-head with his old Werribee teammate Riley Bice, who was drafted by Sydney last November.
Banch's inclusion comes as the Roos consider a handful of changes for Round 19, with ruckman Tristan Xerri unavailable due to suspension.
He could be replaced by Callum Coleman-Jones in the senior side, while star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke has been cleared to play after exiting concussion protocols.
Young onballer George Wardlaw will also be in consideration after his own recent concussion battle, while key forward Nick Larkey will miss again with his ongoing knee issue.
North Melbourne and Sydney will clash at the SCG on Saturday at 4:15pm local time.
