Cooper Harvey, 18, will play for the Kangaroos after impressive form at VFL level that included five goals against Williamstown last time out.
Brent, who played a record 432 games for North before retiring in 2016 and who remains at the club as a development coach, got to break the news to his son at training on Thursday morning.
North Melbourne released vision of the announcement, an emotional Brent praising Cooper's hard work to earn an opportunity that had been "a long time coming".
He'll join a Kangaroos side that was well-beaten last time out, thumped by 11 goals at the hands of Adelaide in what was their 13th straight defeat.
Cooper is one of four father-son players on North's list, along with Jackson Archer (son of Glenn), Bailey Scott (son of Robert) and Luke McDonald (son of Donald).
He's the second confirmed father-son debutant this week, with Melbourne set to unleash Taj Woewodin, son of 2000 Brownlow Medal winner Shane.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn will lose veteran goal sneak Luke Breust for Saturday's trip to GWS after an injury in their loss to Carlton.
"He had a pretty uncomfortable knock in the throat on the weekend and he had some scans (on Thursday) and he's still lost his voice," coach Sam Mitchell said.
"Apparently he won't have his voice back for 10 to 14 days ... it's just a bit too bruised to risk playing."
There's some positive injury news for the Hawks though, with running defender Jarman Impey (back) and youngster Tyler Brockman (illness) fit for the Giants clash.
Struggling West Coast will look to snap their 13-game losing run without veteran duo Luke Shuey and Shannon Hurn.
Both won't face Brisbane on Saturday after pulling up sore from last week's loss to St Kilda and failing to train this week, coach Adam Simpson announced.
Star midfielder Tim Kelly will play after an illness while Jeremy McGovern is also set to return for his first game since round three after hamstring surgery.
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