Resuming after the bye, North Melbourne will play its last home game until Round 12 on Saturday against Brisbane.

Sitting at 4-3, the Kangaroos are three games ahead of the 1-7 Brisbane outfit, but the visiting team is coming off a promising performance against Essendon in Round 8.

Teams

North Melbourne

Backs L.McDonald 21 J.Tippett 36 A.Mullett 41
Half Backs N.Dal Santo 15 S.Thompson 16 S.Atley 18
Centreline S.Gibson 43 A.Swallow 9 L.Adams 13
Half Forwards L.Thomas 12 A.Black 35 B.Harvey 29
Forwards M.Daw 38 D.Petrie 20 L.Hansen 6
Followers T.Goldstein 22 J.Ziebell 7 B.Cunnington 10
Interchange R.Bastinac 3 S.Wright 19 L.Greenwood 24 R.Nahas 28
Emergencies B.McKenzie 2 L.Anthony 4 S.McMahon 42

In: A.Swallow, R.Nahas, S.Wright
Out: M.Firrito (Omitted), N.Grima (Foot), B.McKenzie (Omitted)

Brisbane

Backs D.Gardiner, J.Clarke, J.Patfull
Half Backs P.Hanley, J.Adcock, T.Cutler
Centreline M.Paparone, J.Redden, A.Raines
Half Forwards T.Rockliff, J.Paine, L.Taylor
Forwards J.Green, D.Merrett, J.Brown
Followers T.West, J.Aish, D.Zorko
Interchange C.Beams, R.Lester, J.Lisle, M.Golby 
Emergencies J.Crisp, M.Close, N.Robertson 

In: J.Lisle, M.Golby, C.Beams 
Out: M.Maguire, S.Mayes, N.Robertson

Key matchups

Todd Goldstein v Trent West

In the absence of Matthew Leuenberger, West has had to shoulder the ruck load single-handedly. No other Lion that takes the field on Saturday will have more than 15 hit-outs to their name for the season.

It means the battle in the ruck will be largely a one-on-one duel. 

In Goldstein, North has a player who relishes the battle and also enjoys playing the Lions. In his last four games against Brisbane, he has averaged more than 40 hit-outs.

Levi Greenwood v Tom Rockliff

In recent weeks, Greenwood has spent the majority of the time matched up against the opposition’s most damaging midfielder. If the trend continues, the left-footer will find himself side by side with a midfielder enjoying a stellar 2014.

Rockliff is averaging close to 30 disposals a game, embracing the extra responsibility as a leader of the side. His clearance work is quality while he can also use the ball well, providing a two-tiered challenge for Greenwood to combat.

Areas of improvement

North Melbourne

The Kangaroos' consistency in performance from week to week must improve if it is to be a serious finals contender. 

North's best has been good enough to defeat Port Adelaide, Sydney and Fremantle, but disappointing efforts have led to heavy losses against Essendon, Collingwood and Gold Coast.

Against a side in Brisbane, most external observers will expect Brad Scott's team to comfortably pocket the four points. In many ways, it’s just as big a mental test as travelling interstate and winning.

Brisbane

For a young side like the Lions, being able to maintain intensity around the ball for a four-quarter performance can often be a tough proposition.

In its point differential, Brisbane starts off relatively well before dipping the longer the game runs. Against a North side whose best term is the last, it is an area which could prove vital to the match result.

The bye

With 13 days between games, North’s selected side should be fresh and raring to go. The incredible second half of the season in 2012 was kick-started with a win over a Queensland side directly after the bye, while in 2013 North won two of the first three games after the week off.

Meanwhile Brisbane will enjoy its first week off after Saturday’s match at Etihad. In the last two years it has split its games leading into the bye. In 2012 it had a stirring come from behind win against West Coast, while last year it was defeated by Collingwood to the tune of 49 points.

Looking ahead

The next month of football is full of tricky fixtures and interstate travel for the home team. Following Saturday’s game against Brisbane, there’s a six-day break before heading down the highway to face Geelong.

After that it’s a second trip to Perth, this time to face Adam Simpson and the Eagles. Richmond beckons back at Etihad Stadium in Round 12 before the club's first game on Adelaide Oval against the Crows in Round 13.

A win to stay on the positive side of the win-loss ledger is a must for North.