The Kangaroos on Thursday night dropped Mullett for the first time in more than a season.

He will line up against North Melbourne teammates in the Roosters’ clash with Werribee Tigers at Werribee.

The Kangaroos made four changes to the team which suffered a shock four-point loss to Brisbane Lions.

As well as Mullett, Brad McKenzie and first-gamer Max Warren have been axed for Friday night’s encounter with Hawthorn.

Mullett is one of five changes for the Selkirk Roosters.

Like his North Melbourne counterpart Brad Scott, North Ballarat coach Gerard FitzGerald reacted firmly to a 29-point loss at the hands of Footscray Bulldogs – a defeat which ended a six-game winning streak and now has the Roosters teetering on the edge of the top eight.

FitzGerald dropped four players – Andrew Boseley (South Barwon), Michael Powell (Sebastopol), Jarryd Graham (North Ballarat City) and Callum Currie (Redan).

The Roosters also lose hard-nosed onballer/midfielder Nick Peters to suspension.

Powell was a late call-up against Footscray for Bryce Curnow, who was ruled out with a quadricep strain.

As well as Mullett, North Ballarat regains McKenzie and Warren from North Melbourne, and Matt Austin (shoulder) and Curnow from injury.

Austin has been given the all clear to return after getting through a game with his home club, Stawell Warriors, in the Wimmera Football League.

He has not played in the VFL since injuring an AC joint against Geelong in round four on April 27 – missing seven matches.

Mullett last played with the Roosters in late 2012.

This came after 14 appearances with North Melbourne in his first season on the Kangaroos’ list in 2011.

He played 10 games with North Ballarat in 2012, but spent all last season in the AFL.

Mullett did play in a practice match with the Roosters this season, but the only two games he has missed for the Kangaroos this year were with injury.

Warren returns to the VFL after one appearance with North Melbourne, in which he had just the two touches.

McKenzie is again in Roosters colours after two games at top level this time around.

The Roosters expect Majak Draw to play with Werribee after a controversial week, with the developing ruckman/forward facing rape charges stemming from an alleged incident in 2007.

North Ballarat football manager Marg Richards said the Roosters were preparing to face a Tiger combination featuring the high flying Daw.

ROOSTERS INJURY UPDATE: Tom Carey (general soreness) 1 week, Ash Simpson (ankle) 3-4 weeks, Lucas Anderson season

dropped: Aaron Mullett has been dropped by North Melbourne back to North Ballarat in the VFL. PICTURE: Getty Images