North Melbourne will head to Perth this week to take on a 3-9 West Coast outfit.

Coming off a Round 12 bye, the Roos should be feeling refreshed going into Saturday as they look to claim their first win of 2024.

Round 13, West Coast v North Melbourne
Where: Optus Stadium, Perth, WA
When: Saturday, June 8 at 4.35pm AEST (2.35pm AWST)
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

Despite just three wins from nine games, the Eagles have been able to pick-up some notable scalps so far this season.

They brushed off Melbourne and Fremantle at Optus Stadium in Rounds 6 and 10 but suffered a disappointing 99-point defeat to the Crows in Round 11 before falling short against the Saints at home last weekend.

They'll challenge the Roos without powerful youngster Harley Reid, who is suspended, but are likely to regain key forward Jake Waterman, who is putting together a stellar campaign having booted 30 goals from 10 games.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Port Adelaide: "There's still some things we're really pleased with. Our first quarter in particular was terrific. We just need to learn when to take our chances when they present, and Port Adelaide took theirs at crucial stages. Good sides make the most of their opportunities."

West Coast senior coach Adam Simpson, post-game v St Kilda: "We couldn't stop the transition piece and unfortunately the work rate that was required to finish the game off wasn’t there for us, (but) we'll learn a lot from it."

Last time we met

The Eagles edged out the Roos by five points when the clubs last met, despite North Melbourne surging home with four goals to zero in the final quarter at Optus Stadium in Round 20, 2023.

A four-goal second term from Paul Curtis got North Melbourne back on level pegging after a slow start, but another lapse in the third quarter made things difficult for the travelling Kangas, despite having the upper hand at stoppages.

Luke Davies-Uniacke was the visitors' best afield with 30 touches, a goal and eight clearances, while Harry Sheezel racked up 31 possessions.

In the mix

Co-captain Jy Simpkin hasn't featured since Round 8 but is available for selection after overcoming a quad strain and should slot back into the line-up.

Recruit Brynn Teakle is a chance to make his debut for the club after he was taken by the Roos with the 15th overall selection of the mid-season draft. The versatile tall would be a welcome addition to the forward and ruck stocks, offering support for spearhead Nick Larkey and main big man Tristan Xerri.

Will Phillips put in a strong shift in North Melbourne's most recent VFL bout, collecting 26 disposals and six clearances, while half-back Riley Hardeman (22 disposals, 10 marks) also raised his hand in the reserves despite a tough loss to Werribee.