While Marley Williams and Nathan Hrovat have arrived from other clubs, the North Melbourne team that takes on Sydney in their JLT Community series opener on Sunday in Coffs Harbour will contain an abundance of players with either little or no previous senior experience. Just for good measure there's a new captain too: Jack Ziebell. Cameron Joyce – himself new to the role of North's general manager of football, having previously served as list manager – said the sudden void of experience meant the JLT series' was of heightened importance for his club. "More for us than most. When you open up four or five positions almost automatically, there's probably 10 or 12 players who think they can jump into those spots. So therefore these games become really important for them to show that they can do it at AFL level," Joyce said.

"I think any evidence you can give to the match committee only helps your case throughout the year. It'll be a really good sorting out process for us."

Joyce warned though that while there would be chances for several of the next generation, games weren't going to be gifted come the season proper. "There'll be opportunities for a lot of guys, but there won't be opportunities for everyone," he said. "So it's a matter of who's going to stand up and take the opportunity, and grab it with both hands when they get it."

So just who are these "Joeys"? Here's a guide to the Roos who have travelled to NSW with fewer than 10 games of senior experience.

Ryan Clarke

Age: 19 Games: Six

The 180-centimetre midfielder was taken at pick 31 of the 2015 draft and tasted senior football late in his first season on the back of strong VFL form. He acquitted himself well, averaging more than 17 disposals in his half a dozen AFL games, including 27 in the win against Collingwood.

Joyce says: "He's had a strong summer after having some surgery on his shoulder. We expect Ryan to have a really good year this year. He'll play through the midfield and forward. His best attributes are his contest to contest running and his ability to find space."

Ben McKay

Age: 19: Games: 0

The key forward is the twin brother of Carlton's Harry, and spent his first year at Arden Street playing in the VFL where he averaged a goal a game for Werribee. Just shy of two metres tall, he is seen as a long-term proposition.

Joyce says: "He's certainly got stronger over the summer. We're just looking for a real contest from Ben. This weekend will be great for Ben. It's his debut really against AFL opposition. It'll be a good experience for him."

Sam Durdin

Age: 20 Games: 0

One of North's thus far underwhelming crop of 2014 draftees, Durdin has been used as a key position player at both ends so far in the VFL, as well as having stints in the ruck. However he has been used mainly as a backman in the pre-season.

Joyce says: "Opportunities may present for Sam. He's been getting through this pre-season playing as a defender and learning the nuances of playing in defence."

Braydon Preuss

Age: 21 Games: 0

Elevated to the senior list at the end of 2016, the former rugby league player from Queensland made headlines recently after a wild tackle on former captain Andrew Swallow in an intra-club match led to a scuffle. While the club says it is continuing to work with Preuss on his tackling technique, the big man will get a chance as star ruckman Todd Goldstein is managed through the pre-season.

Joyce says: "We don't have a lot of ruckmen on our list. He's getting across the ground a lot better. With Goldy missing he'll be given a good opportunity through this series."

Ed Vickers-Willis

Age: 20 Games: 0

Vickers-Willis got an extended run of games in the VFL last year after missing the best part of the year with an injured shoulder. He is another in the 2014 crop from whom more is needed.

Joyce says: "He's that sort of third tall running defender potential for us. With someone like Michael Firrito leaving at the end of last year it potentially opens up a spot that he'd be looking to try and fill."

Declan Watson

Age: 18 Games: 0

Another tall backman, Watson was snapped up by the Roos after the Brisbane Lions opted not to match North's bid for the Queensland academy prospect.

Joyce says: "He's a key defender. Reads the ball particularly well. We've been pleased in how he's been able to tackle the pre-season. He hasn't put a foot wrong."

Mitch Hibberd

Age: 20: Games: 0

The Tasmanian's first season at North was interrupted by knee problems. Among the best runners in the 2015 draft, Hibberd played most of last year as a running defender for Werribee, while also pushing up to the wing.

Joyce says: "He's got an elite tank and makes good decisions with the footy."

Nick Larkey

Age: 18 Games: 0

Picked up as a key defender late in last year's draft, Larkey looms as a potential bolter after a strong first pre-season at Arden Street.

Joyce says: "He's been impressive in his game knowledge. He just gets on with it, finds the footy. He's one that we've liked in the pre-season."

Corey Wagner

Age: 19 Games: 4

One of a handful of small and medium forward options at the club, the Queenslander got a brief look-in at senior level during his first season in the AFL. Known for his forward pressure, Wagner didn't get much of the ball during his month-long stint in the North side.

Joyce says: "Corey's been working hard just on getting the balance right between defence and attack. He's doing that really well."

Declan Mountford

Age: 20 Games: 0

Another in the long line of inside midfielders at Arden Street, Mountford spent time as a tagger for Werribee last year – his first season at North.

Joyce says: "Declan's spent a fair bit of time in the midfield. He's got a good mix of speed and endurance."

Cameron Zurhaar (rookie)

Age: 18: Games 0

A medium-sized forward from Western Australia, Zurhaar wasn't a big ball-winner as a junior but has a reputation as a relatively prolific tackler.

Joyce says: "He's got good speed off the mark. He's been a bit of goalkicker in our practice games."

Matthew Taylor (rookie)

Age: 19 Games: 0

Probably in the box seat to replace the injured Paul Ahern on the senior list, Taylor is a strong ball user across half-back.

Joyce says: "He played senior footy last year in the WAFL. He does most things pretty well. We'd like to see what he can do coming up one more level."