THE Northern Blues will be bolstered by a number of key inclusions for its Round 17 clash against North Melbourne.

Paddy Dow is one of eight additions to the VFL line-up: after averaging 15 disposals a game in his second AFL season, Dow returns to action after missing last weekend through illness. 

He joins Jarrod Garlett, Josh Hill, Kane Keppel, Jordan Lynch, Kye Quirk, Glenn Strachan and Noah Wheeler as the inclusions to the extended squad, which will be cut down on the morning of the game.

A late out through illness last weekend, Garlett is a handy inclusion for the Blues, having kicked seven goals from his last three VFL games.

Kye Quirk is also a confirmed debutant, having been named as 23rd man. Formerly from the Eastern Ranges, Quirk is the grandson of Carlton premiership player and Hall of Famer, Bryan Quirk.

Coming out of the side are Andrew Phillips (who has received an AFL call-up), Finbar O’Dywer (managed), Jean-Luc Velissaris and Jarrod Walters. 

The Blues will be looking to bounce back with a strong performance to keep the side in finals contention after the disappointment of last weekend.

Saturday’s game against North Melbourne will commence at 2pm at Arden Street, and will be live-streamed via the VFL website.