North Melbourne have named co-skipper Jy Simpkin ahead of their primetime Saturday evening clash with Melbourne, while Jeremy Finlayson has impressed Port coach Ken Hinkley for an immediate recall to the senior side to face Brisbane.

Simpkin was a late exclusion from the Kangaroos narrow and controversial loss to defending premiers Collingwood last week after pulling up from training with a minor hamstring concern in the days leading into the contest.

The hiccup came after a starring role in his club's first win for the year over West Coast the week prior, which North head of performance Kev White said was likely where the injury was suffered.

"It was a bit of a strange one with us getting it so late in the week," White said earlier this week

"But he's feeling really good at the minute to see it being so low level he's done as a test for this week. So he's back to his strength markers that he would be at baseline.

"He's making good progress…we'll have more information. Once we get through training on Thursday."

Simpkin was optimistic about coming straight back in, telling reporters his hamstring was "feeling pretty good" on Tuesday.

The 26-year-old slots into North's midfield as they look to capitalise on a recent uptick in performance against a Melbourne outfit coming off with the bye with four losses from their previous five games.

Port will also welcome back forward line duo Jeremy Finlayson and Willie Rioli to meet Brisbane in shapes a potential important test for each side in the context of their seasons.

The Power have slipped from the top four to seventh spot and only one game ahead of the Bulldogs in ninth after consecutive losses - in an albeit tight middle portion of the ladder.

Rioli returns from a calf strain which kept him out of their matchups with GWS and Carlton.

Last week, Hinkley was blunt on the reasons behind Finlayson's omission from the Giants' game.

"Jeremy played sub last game...his form's been off. It hasn't been where it needs to be," Hinkley said.

The Yorta Yorta man collected 25 possessions, six clearances and a goal in the SANFL at the weekend.

"He played really well last week. Jeremy's a very, very good AFL player. Everyone has fluctuations in their form, and he's had a couple....But honestly, if we're playing well, Jeremy's playing, normally," the Port coach said on the eve of hosting the Lions.

"Obviously we bring Jeremy back in to hopefully play at the level that he can play at. If in any way if he does, we think that makes a significant difference.

"And if we get Willie (Rioli) out there as well. Willie's one of our most dangerous, I would have thought."

Both Finlayson and Rioli have been named on the interchange without a confirmed sub.

After a modest return in his first senior game last week, Quinton Narkle has not been able to retain his spot.