The Magpies and the Kangaroos meet at the MCG on Saturday at 7.40pm.
Five players are absent from Collingwood’s squad.
One player is still recovering after a vehicle accident left him unconscious in training.
North Melbourne’s reserve team defeated North’s youngsters in the previous game by 43 points.
That win has provided the seniors extra confidence.
Both teams want a strong beginning to the latter half of the season.