It's been over 10 weeks since the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos and Melbourne last faced off.

The Round 2 clash in early September went right down to the wire under MCG floodlights but it was Melbourne who held on to win by two points despite a late, spirited North Melbourne fightback.

Although it was an early blemish on the Kangaroos' record, the performance provided by the team in that game, in addition to the impressive effort displayed in last Saturday's semi-final against Richmond, has star midfielder Ash Riddell brimming with confidence ahead of another Melbourne test.

"We know we can match it with them," Riddell told SEN.

"They're absolutely a quality side ... so we know we need to bring that pressure and heat for four quarters."

Last time out, the MCG's massive surface invited plenty of run and carry through the corridor, and Riddell recalled how the midfield battle unfolded that night.

"(The game) was pretty free-flowing," she said.

"Their midfield group is remarkable so I think both midfields just went head-to-head last time round (and didn't use taggers).

"I'm not sure if that will happen again, we'll see what they come out with.

"It was at the 'G so the game was really open, the ball was moving a lot through the corridor and it was moving quite fast and direct - Ikon Park is a big oval too so hopefully we can bring that sort of spectacle again on the weekend."

The Roos booked a preliminary final berth after dispatching the Tigers by six goals at Punt Road Oval last Saturday.

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Riddell starred in the win with 30 disposals, 538 metres gained (both game-highs), and seven clearances and was right beside fellow gun Jasmine Garner who was uncontrollable from the first bounce.

"I'm so lucky, I get front row seats to Jas every week playing in the midfield alongside her," Riddell said.

"She's an incredible player and an incredible athlete, and I think she was a little bit disappointed two weeks ago when we played Richmond.

>> VOTE FOR JAS OR ASH IN THE SEMI-FINAL AFLPA MVP HERE

"As a midfield group we were a lot better at supporting her this time around  ... and we found different avenues and tricks to free her up so she could get the football.

Garner collected 22 touches, eight clearances and booted two goals in the semi-final.