NORTH MELBOURNE'S chances of upsetting Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday have taken a tumble after star defender Robbie Tarrant was a late withdrawal.
Tarrant, who would likely have been assigned the difficult task of opposing Bombers star Joe Daniher, was pulled out of the clash after hurting his back in the warm-up.
As his replacement, the Kangaroos named their 10th debutant for the season, rangy wingman Josh Williams.
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Born in Adelaide, Williams, 19, grew up in Townsville, Queensland, and relocated to the Gold Coast at the age of 17 to join the Suns' academy.
The No.36 pick in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft had twice been named an emergency for the Kangaroos before gaining his opportunity.
Williams joins Nick Larkey as North's other debutant to face the Bombers.
Shaun Higgins will captain the Kangaroos in Tarrant's absence.
