It’s been a long time coming but finally, Braydon Preuss is back in the North line-up.

The 206cm, 107kg giant is in the Kangaroos' 22 to take on Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday afternoon after missing the last few weeks with a back injury.

The 22-year-old last played in Round 4 against the Bulldogs and will shoulder the ruck duties against Max Gawn who has overcome injuries of his own.

The North captain, Jack Ziebell, and vice-captain, Robbie Tarrant, also return after missing last week.

Backs S.Durdin 24 R.Tarrant 25 D.Nielson 26

Half Backs A.Mullett 17 S.Thompson 16 L.McDonald 11

Centreline S.Atley 18 S.Gibson 43 R.Clarke 13

Half Forwards N.Hrovat 8 J.Waite 30 M.Daw 38

Forwards S.Higgins 4 B.Brown 50 T.Garner 27

Followers B.Preuss 31 J.Ziebell 7 B.Cunnington 10

Interchange A.Swallow 9 T.Dumont 14 J.Simpkin 21 D.Mountford 42

Emergencies J.Anderson 3 J.Williams 36 C.Zurhaar 44

In: R.Tarrant, J.Ziebell, B.Preuss

Out: J.Williams (Omitted), C.Zurhaar (Omitted), N.Larkey (Knee)

Milestone: S.Atley - 150 games