North Melbourne was back on the track for another run under the searing January sun as the 'Yellow' and 'Blue' teams battled in a match simulation amid other drills on Wednesday morning.

While it's only been a few days since the Kangaroos first returned to training, the shift in tempo, on-ball and off-ball structures, and feeling under Alastair Clarkson generated an exciting buzz among fans that had made their way to the training session.

Cool, refreshing breezes throughout the period were relieving for the Roos who, over the past few days, have been swiftly adapting to life back at the club after the holiday season.

Cam Zurhaar and Paul Curtis spent time in the engine room alongside midfield regulars Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Ben Cunnington, with the No.44 showcasing a defensive mentality with a tremendous tackle that was rewarded with a free kick.

Curtis was able to use his speed and smarts to get good looks inside 50, while Tarryn Thomas (non-contact) showed class and decisiveness with the ball across half-back.

When not on-ball, Zurhaar stood out in his primary position as a forward. He took some clean marks and expertly converted a difficult shot from the pocket.

Unsurprisingly, Simpkin was damaging through the centre, feeding the likes of Curtis Taylor who is looking like a player that can take his game to new heights in 2023.

Working in tandem was the backline pairing of Ben McKay and Aiden Bonar who were often able to cut off attacking surges. Bonar used his athleticism to rise for a huge spoil at the beginning of the sim and followed it up minutes later with a smother and intercept possession.

As for McKay, he and Nick Larkey went head-to-head, with the defender claiming a handful of intercept grabs before the key forward hit the scoreboard with a deadly accurate set shot.

Recruit Dan Howe was among the standouts, impressing with his outstanding work-rate and running patterns and budding ruck/forward Jacob Edwards used his size to clunk a couple of contested grabs.

An energised Jack Mahony was another who began the morning in proficient fashion. Displaying plenty of gut running, the small forward put himself in ideal positions for his teammates to hit him up via hand and foot.

After combating glandular fever in 2022, Will Phillips is well and truly back in the thick of things. He didn't have an issue finding the footy in the warmth as he continues to build himself up ahead of what hopefully becomes a fruitful campaign.

Led by experienced medium defenders Luke McDonald and Aaron Hall, North's rising group of exciting defenders/wingers featuring Jackson Archer, Miller Bergman (non-contact), Flynn Perez, Josh Goater and Bailey Scott continued to exhibit their composure under pressure and when exiting defensive 50.

Building their workloads out of the young draftee crop were Blake Drury, Cooper Harvey and Harry Sheezel, with the smooth-moving No.3 pick from Sandringham following up on every contest with determination.

>> Click here for the full injury list, thanks to AIA Vitality

Outside of those on the official injury list, Phoenix Spicer was on a limited load, while No.4 draft selection George Wardlaw spent the morning completing a running set and doing gym work with rehab coordinator Daniel Cross.