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North Melbourne have made a late change for their AFL game at Marvel Stadium, while there is also intrigue around Geelong's line-up.

Underdogs North Melbourne have suffered a significant blow, losing tough defender Scott Thompson for their AFL clash with Geelong.

The Kangaroos decided on Saturday to leave out Thompson, who suffered an adductor injury in last weekend's win over Carlton.

Thompson had said on Friday he was confident of playing in Sunday's match at Marvel Stadium, but first had to pass a fitness test.

Forward Curtis Taylor will take Thompson's place and make his AFL debut.

The Kangaroos traded up the draft order last November to recruit Taylor with the No.46 pick.

There is also intrigue around the Cats' selections, with captain Joel Selwood named as an emergency.

Selwood was a late withdrawal from Sunday's win over Essendon because of soreness.

There has been speculation the Cats' skipper is on standby for star onballer Patrick Dangerfield. He left the MCG last weekend with a large ice pack on his left knee.

But the Cats are optimistic Dangerfield will play.

They might also rest veteran Gary Ablett, who has played every game this season and shone in his new, permanent half-forward role.

Zach Tuohy is the only confirmed addition so far, with the defender returning from soreness.

The Cats are a game clear on top of the ladder and will start strong favourites against North, who had only their second win of the season last weekend.

While Thompson's absence means a recast of the North Melbourne defence, at the other end of the ground' the Cats' backline is rock solid.

Geelong have conceded the least points in the AFL after seven rounds, having strangled West Coast and Essendon to only seven goals apiece over the past fortnight.