With senior coach Alastair Clarkson back at the helm, the Roos head to their home away from home to challenge the in-form Demons at Hobart's Blundstone Arena on Sunday.

Despite fighting back from an early 31-point deficit, North Melbourne succumbed against the Eagles in Perth last week, prolonging the club's losing streak.

A fourth-quarter surge at the MCG on the same day saw Melbourne overwhelm the Tigers to win by 32 points, keeping the Demons' top-two hopes alive.

The opposition

The Demons have enjoyed four wins from their past four matches following their two-point loss to the Giants back in Round 16, and will be eager to continue applying the pressure to Port Adelaide (2nd on the ladder) and Brisbane (3rd) with another four points.

Unleashing captain Max Gawn has been key to their recent success, with the six-time All-Australian ruckman averaging 23.3 disposals, one goal, 39 hitouts and eight clearances since the club dropped Brodie Grundy to the reserves for Round 18's match with Brisbane.

Young spearhead Jacob van Rooyen and premiership defender Harrison Petty stole headlines with four and six goals respectively against the Tigers, while Jake Melksham added four of his own, providing coach Simon Goodwin with a dangerous forward line mix.

In the medical room, midfielder Tom Sparrow looks likely to return, while star onballer Clayton Oliver is set for at least another week on the sidelines and won't take the field against the Roos.

The magnets

There are no forced outs for the Kangaroos this week with all players making it out of Perth relatively unscathed. Josh Goater was subbed out during the third quarter with a knee issue but has since been given the all-clear to play this weekend.

Veteran midfielder Ben Cunnington won 24 touches and nine clearances against Werribee in the VFL and could be considered for a call-up alongside Charlie Lazzaro, who collected 23 disposals and six inside 50s.

An impressive performance behind the ball from Kallan Dawson has the defender in the mix for a season debut.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson in his letter to Kangaroos members and fans: "I’ve watched closely how 'Ratts' (interim coach Brett Ratten) and the boys have fared in recent weeks. Although the wins haven’t been forthcoming, we’ve taken steps forward in a number of areas. I‘m really looking forward to coming back in and building on the work the players and the footy department have done in my absence."

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin post-game v Richmond: "We've been down by 20 points in numerous games in the past month and our ability to respond and find a way forward in the game is the hallmark of a team you want to be a part of. These guys have the enormous ability to compete at a really high level and they're building."

Last time we met

Melbourne 22.7 (139) def North Melbourne 7.7 (49), Round 7, 2023 at the MCG

North Melbourne's largest loss of the season to date came at the hands of the Demons when the sides clashed at the MCG back in Round 7.

Melbourne dictated terms from the first bounce and kicked five goals in 13 minutes to lay the foundations for what became a 90-point win and North Melbourne's fifth loss in a row.

A serious ankle injury to Charlie Comben in the first term and fourth-term injuries to Callum Coleman-Jones (concussion) and Tom Powell (ankle) compounded the side's woes.

The Roos did manage the final three goals of the game, with Cunnington slotting one to go with his 27 disposals and 11 clearances. Liam Shiels was significant with 27 touches and a major, while Harry Sheezel impressed with another 30-disposal outing.