North Melbourne co-captain Luke McDonald is backing longstanding Shinboner Ben Cunnington to be back to his best in no time.

A two-time Syd Barker medallist, Cunnington has struggled to have an impact in midfield throughout patches of 2023, resulting in him being tactically subbed out twice in eight rounds.

However, McDonald is confident that the veteran will quickly find his way back to the senior side after being omitted ahead of the club's clash with Port Adelaide.

"'Cunners' has been an unbelievable player for our footy club for a long period of time and is still going to have a huge part to play this year," McDonald told reporters at Blundstone Arena on Friday afternoon.

"I think he'd be the first to admit that he was a bit out of form.

"I've got no doubt that he’s going to go back and dominate in the reserves this week and he'll be back before we know it.

"He's a vital part of our team on and off the field and one of the best Shinboners of all time."

Cunnington's replacement, Hugh Greenwood, will re-join North Melbourne's midfield for Saturday's match in Hobart after a two-game stint in the VFL.

On the opposing side stands Port Adelaide's young onball core driven by Zak Butters and Connor Rozee, but despite the duo's game-breaking abilities, McDonald says his team's main focus has been on their own game.

"It's (going to be) about us and how we go about the contest," McDonald mentioned.

"Most games are won and lost in that contest inside so we're really looking forward to seeing Jy (Simpkin), 'LDU' (Luke Davies-Uniacke), and Hugh Greenwood go to battle in there.

"All over the ground it's going to be a real contested game ... that's what Port has brought all year and that's something that every team wants to pride themselves on."