VFL Assistant Coach Jordan Doering believes that a strong foundation in defence will prove key to North Melbourne securing vital back-to-back wins on the road.
The Roos face Essendon at Windy Hill on Saturday afternoon, with the hosts having home advantage for the first time this season.
Doering, who was a member of the Essendon Reserves premiership side in 1999, has highlighted an experienced Bombers' pair as a potential threat for the home side.
“They’ve got a bit of experience back this week with McKernan and [Orazio] Fantasia, especially up forward,” Doering told North Media.
“It’s a good challenge for our younger guys, especially with losing 'Wrighty' (Sam Wright) to the senior side, which is great for him. It’s a good opportunity for 'Morgs' (Alex Morgan) or 'Murph' (Tom Murphy) to play on Fantasia.
“He’s someone that’s had a fair bit of experience at AFL level.”
Despite losing a handful of key players to the senior side, Doering believes that the current crop of emerging players will relish the opportunity to step-up.
“We’re pretty lucky, we’ve got some of our VFL-listed boys to come in like Leonardis or Rodd, who have been playing good footy,” he continued.
“Looking at the vision, they’re [Essendon] pretty fleet-footed. They like to push up and then run back, that’s where they score a majority of their goals.
“We clearly lose a lot of experience with Wrighty going out, but we’ve still got 'Durds' (Sam Durdin), 'Nielso' (Daniel Nielson) and Benny (McKay) to lead the way. We’re in pretty good hands with that.”
Doering is hopeful that another promising result on the road will further develop the Roos' young side, which continues to mirror the processes of the AFL group.
“Playing to our method and processes, getting ready for AFL footy,” he said.
“That’s probably the biggest thing for us at VFL level. Making sure the boys keep taking the steps and playing the way we want to play.”
Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Essendon at Windy Hill, with the first bounce at 12.00pm.
