North Melbourne will face another tough task on Sunday when it plays the sixth-placed Saints at Marvel Stadium.

The Roos were in the fight against the Hawks in Round 18 following a three-goal-to-none second quarter, but the visitors proved too strong after the main change, running away with a 48-point win.

On the Gold Coast, St Kilda struggled to trouble the Suns, but will be itching to return to form and the winners list.

The opposition

The Saints made a bright start to 2023 but have dipped in form, losing four of their past five matches.

Their 26-point defeat to the Suns in Round 18 was arguably the worst of those losses, as St Kilda failed to match Gold Coast's intensity and quick movement at Heritage Bank Stadium.

However Ross Lyon's side remains on track for a September berth, sitting inside the eight on percentage with a 9-8 record.

The defensive pairing of Callum Wilkie and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera presents a challenge for interim coach Brett Ratten's group, given the former's intercepting prowess and the latter's ability to impact on the rebound.

Tricky small forward Jack Higgins could return to the line-up after recovering from a knee injury. He booted two goals from 16 touches last time the clubs met.

Running hot

It's been another strong stretch of performances from Bailey Scott, who will enter Marvel Stadium following a season-high 34-disposal game against the Hawks last Sunday.

Along with his game-high possession haul, North Melbourne's No.8 tallied nine rebounds and a season-high eight marks, reflecting the immense workrate the 23-year-old has developed.

Going at 20.9 disposals per game this year – five more than his career average – and having a greater impact on matches, Scott could be on course for a maiden best and fairest award after clinching third place in 2022.

What the coaches have said

Interim North Melbourne coach Brett Ratten on Wednesday: "You look at St Kilda and they're sixth and finals bound and we're 17th, so we've got our work cut out for us. Their list is pretty strong and their expectations have always been to play finals, and they've added to their list with (Mattaes) Phillipou through the draft so they've gotten even stronger. It’s a huge challenge for us."

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon on Wednesday: "They really challenged us last time and there’s a lot of noise around Clarko (Alastair Clarkson) coming back and Brett (Ratten) being there having been the senior coach here, but it all means nothing come game day."

Last time we met

North Melbourne 4.10 (34) def. by St Kilda 8.16 (64), Round 8, 2023 at Marvel Stadium 

It was a scrappy affair when the two clubs met back in Round 8 this season, with St Kilda's 8.16 being enough in front of goal to trump North Melbourne's 4.10.

A slow start for the Kangaroos saw them fail to kick a major in the first half, but Nick Larkey eventually broke the drought in the third term, booting three goals to inject some life into his side.

The Saints hit back though, and ultimately held the Roos at bay off the back of their work around centre bounces and stoppages.

Jack Ziebell racked up 36 disposals and 18 marks, while Harry Sheezel (30 disposals, 488 metres gained) and Ben McKay (10 marks, 10 intercept possessions) also impressed.