North Melbourne will be hunting a repeat of last season's thrilling win over Fremantle when it hosts the Dockers on home turf at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Kangas showed promising signs in their season opener in Sydney last week but were ultimately overpowered by a talented Greater Western Sydney outfit.

Round 2, North Melbourne v Fremantle

Where: Marvel Stadium, VIC
When: Saturday, March 23 at 1.35pm AEDT
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

Things looked ominous for Fremantle after a sluggish start saw the visiting Lions get the jump when the clubs met last week, but Justin Longmuir's side found a way to overrun Brisbane to claim a 23-point win.

Caleb Serong will be one for North Melbourne to keep an eye on after the onballer ran wild in the guts on his way to a club-record 46 disposals.

It's a gritty victory the Dockers will be looking to build on as they prepare for their first interstate trip of 2024.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson post-game v GWS: "We've got some work to do, we know we need to roll up our sleeves. It was encouraging that we found a way to score and found a way on numerous occasions to challenge the Giants, but we've got some growth as a side to make.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir on Wednesday: "We feel the balance up front with three tall forwards (works well). Once the rotation starts and (Luke Jackson)'s on the bench and (Josh Treacy) is in the ruck you end up with two (tall forwards), and we're reluctant to make that one. So, we'll work out the mix, but we like the three talls.

Running hot

Tristan Xerri

The club's No.1 ruck got off to a flying start, as life after Todd Goldstein began for Xerri and the Kangas.

The big man had the better of GWS tall Kieren Briggs throughout the clash at ENGIE Stadium and finished with 18 disposals, nine tackles, eight clearances, and a goal.

A different type of challenge awaits this weekend, with the dynamic Luke Jackson set to be on deck for the purple haze.

Last time we met

Hearts were racing during the dying stages of this fixture last season as the Dockers and Roos met at Optus Stadium.

The Kangas led at every change, but it was anyone's game in the frantic final seconds, with the home side kicking three consecutive goals late in the final term to get them to within one point.

Determined defensive acts and a deft Harry Sheezel toe-poke saw North Melbourne hang on for a thrilling win in the west, 11.7 (73) to 10.12 (72).