Despite falling in the fourth quarter against reigning premiers Collingwood, the Roos won plenty of admirers at Marvel Stadium thanks to an exhilarating opening half.

Melbourne is the next challenge that awaits a young North Melbourne line-up, but confidence should be growing throughout the group after consecutive performances filled with positives.

Round 15, Melbourne v North Melbourne
Where: MCG, Melbourne, VIC
When: Saturday, June 22 at 7.30pm AEST
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

Fresh off the bye, the Demons (7-6) will be hoping to flip the script following four losses in their past five games.

Their recent form has seen them drop out of the top eight and they'll now be without star midfielder Christian Petracca, who had surgery on a lacerated spleen following Melbourne's 38-point King's Birthday loss to Collingwood.

Although games have been getting away from the Demons, Max Gawn continues to impress, which makes for an enticing matchup with Kangas ruck Tristan Xerri under the Saturday night lights.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Collingwood: "Despite the disappointment of the loss, the learning for our lads will be profound. We were able to show different aspects of our game and show that we can put it together against a really good side."

Melbourne senior coach Simon Goodwin on Wednesday: "(North Melbourne) are a much-improved footy team. They're playing with enormous pressure and energy, and they've got enormous talent in their footy club, and you can see how quickly they are improving. We know what we're up against … and we need to play to a certain level to get the result."

Running hot

George Wardlaw

The young midfielder was a key reason as to why the Roos got the jump on the Pies last weekend.

Wardlaw put up 12 disposals, five score involvements, and three inside 50s in the opening quarter at Marvel Stadium, before going on to tally 30 touches, three goal assists, and one goal of his own.

As tenacious at they come at the contest, Wardlaw can be expected to come out firing again this weekend in his first AFL appearance at the home of footy.

Milestone watch

Taken with the 35th pick of the 2021 National Draft, Paul Curtis will mark his 50th AFL game in Round 15.

The dynamic small forward has showcased his smarts and strength throughout the early stages of his career, often fending off opposition defenders and creating chances inside attacking 50.

After kicking 12 goals and 17 goals in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Curtis has already produced his highest return in front of the big sticks in 2024, with 19 goals from 13 appearances.