St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says his team will need to match North Melbourne physically to give itself the best chance on Sunday.

The Roos have won four of their past five games, and drawn praise for their unrelenting attack on the contest, an area the Saints have also shown great improvement.

“We thought we bounced back in that space (physicality) last week, so it’ll be a real challenge and a real test for us,” Richardson said in his weekly media conference.

“We’re going to have to be strong in that area to win the game.

“Because of the way they (the Kangaroos) are playing it suits the really, big aggressive midfielders, like (Ben) Cunnington and (Jack) Ziebell in particular. (Jed) Anderson’s doing a terrific job in that space as well.

“You need to get the mix right and that’s certainly what ‘Shawry’ (Rhyce Shaw) has done. They are playing really strong, aggressive footy.”

St Kilda will no doubt take confidence from its pre-season win against North, but the coach is wary of an opposition back at its home away from home, Blundstone Arena.

Richardson crediting Shaw for his impact in such a short time as interim coach.

“He’s put a game plan in that really suits his group, what they’re good at,” he added.

“They are a very good contest team and they’re going forward reasonably quickly. They’ve got a good front half who can give them opportunities.

“They’re not rushing as much from the back. They are playing a safe defence so taking a bit more risk out of it.”

The teams have faced off twice at Blundstone Arena, in 2014 and ’15, with North taking the points on both occasions.