The Magpies and the Kangaroos go head‑to‑head at the MCG on Saturday at 7.40pm.
Five players are absent from Collingwood’s lineup.
One player is still on the mend after a vehicle accident left him unconscious in training.
North Melbourne’s reserve team defeated North’s youngsters last week by 43 points.
That win has given the seniors extra confidence.
Both clubs want a positive kickoff to the second half of the campaign.