Conditions between North Melbourne’s training and match-day venues couldn’t be further a part.

A cold blustery wind greeted the squad at Trinity Grammar in Bulleen on Thursday afternoon making skills practice a nightmare. With the open landscape of the sports ground, there’s nothing to shield the players from the gale-force wind.

“This is not going to be pretty,” commented vice-captain Drew Petrie upon his arrival and assessment of the weather.

Assistant coach Danny Daly stood under two flags which were constantly stretched and battered while the Sherrin footballs were darting around in the air.

The task to pick the upcoming side will be difficult for caretaker coach Darren Crocker with less emphasis being placed on execution and more on endeavour and determination. He must make at least two changes with Adam Simpson retiring and Leigh Harding out with a hamstring injury.

On Sunday, things will be very different perhaps even worlds apart with the roof on Etihad Stadium providing perfect football conditions.