George adds experience and physical strength to the Selkirk Roosters, which face Essendon at Windy Hill.

Each is in need of a win.

Although North Ballarat and Essendon have had just the one outing, they lost and know the importance of getting early points on the board.

George has been named in attack alongside skipper Michael Searl.

Tony Lockyer will also be a definite starter.

He has been selected at centre half back for what will be his first fully-fledged start with the Roosters.

In his second season on their senior list, Lockyer made his VFL debut as the 23rd player while still playing with the North Ballarat Rebels in the TAC Cup.

Roosters football manager Marg Richards said Lockyer made another three VFL senior appearances last year – all in the role of 23rd man.

That spot will again be filled by recruit James Tsitas.

Coming off a one-week break as part of a split round since losing to Collingwood by 12 points, North Ballarat has added North Melbourne’s Brad McKenzie, Sam Conroy, David Peel, Coleman Schache, Sam Scott and Lucas Cook on an extended interchange in addition to the inclusions of George and Lockyer.

Peel played with his home club Geelong West-St Peter’s and Cook with Hopetoun during the break.

North Melbourne-listed Ben Jacobs is the only player confirmed as missing from the opening round line-up.

Of the Kangaroos players named for North Ballarat, McKenzie, Robin Nahas and Joel Tippett are all an extended bench for North Melbourne, with McKenzie the most likely to play against the Sydney Swans.

Meanwhile, the Essendon line-up features former North Ballarat Rebels Nick O’Brien and Lauchlan Dalgleish.

david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au