The stand-alone clash at North Port Oval marks the start of the new season in which Borough players have agreed to forfeit their match payments for the opening clash as part of a "Call to Arms" day to help the iconic club survive financially.

Phillips has been sidelined since mid-January because of a foot injury but was named to play.

The former Giant impressed in 16 senior games last year with his tap work after crossing from Greater Western Sydney, where he had been a member of the expansion franchise's inaugural squad.

Fresh draftees Patrick Kerr, Zac Fisher, Cameron Polson and Tom Williamson, along with former Docker Alex Silvagni, have been named, while Blaine Boekhorst, a first-round selection in the 2014 national draft, is fighting for his future.

Defender Alex Browne, who sat out the 2016 campaign as one of 34 past and present Essendon players handed an anti-doping suspension, and former Port Adelaide defender Cameron O'Shea will also debut for the Blues.

Former Blue Dillon Viojo-Rainbow has been named for his first match with the Borough.

Port revealed a loss of $300,000 at its annual general meeting in December, although it reportedly has now locked in gaming revenue from The Rex Hotel.

Veteran Borough midfielder Chris Cain said the players were happy to help the club.

"Over the pre-season it came as a bit of a shock to all the players and the staff that the club was in some financial trouble," he said.

"In terms of recouping some of the dollars, the players put their hands up - as well as the coaches and staff - that we'd forfeit the round-one match payments to assist and help keep the club afloat."

The remaining matches in round one of the VFL will be held next weekend.

VFL round 1: Port Melbourne v Northern Blues (April 8), Footscray v Box Hill Hawks (April 14), Sandringham v Essendon (April 15), Coburg v Collingwood (April 15), Richmond v North Ballarat (April 16), Werribee v Geelong (April 16), Williamstown v Casey Demons (April 16)