North Melbourne will be out to finish the 2024 season on a positive note when it heads to Launceston this weekend to face an in-form Hawthorn outfit.

It's another tough test for the Kangas, who will want to bounce back from a heavy Round 23 defeat and claim a win for Liam Shiels, who announced he was hanging up the boots earlier this week.

Round 24: Hawthorn v North Melbourne
Where: UTAS Stadium, Launceston, TAS
When: Saturday, August 24 at 4.40pm AEST
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

After beginning their season 0-5, the Hawks have surged into finals contention while playing a brand of football that could even see them challenge for their first premiership since 2015.

They'll head to UTAS Stadium following a strong 63-point win over the 18th-placed Tigers that saw them boot nine goals to one in the opening term.

Veteran sharpshooter Jack Gunston had a day out with five goals, while youngsters Nick Watson and Clasher Dear were also potent with three majors apiece.

However, midfielder Will Day will be unavailable for selection after suffering an SC joint injury.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Western Bulldogs: "They made us hurt in the middle of the ground. Their capacity to control the ball by hand and foot was outstanding. We probably did what we expected in the middle, we won hitouts and first possession, but unless you're taking advantage of those first possessions then they're going to punish you."

Hawthorn senior coach Sam Mitchell, post-game v Richmond: "We're in elimination finals every single week so we take the points, and we bank the win. We get some confidence knowing that our best is good enough and very good, but we also know that when we don't play our best, we can get pulled apart."

In the mix

With Charlie Comben and Miller Bergman set to come out of the side due to concussion, the Roos will need to make at least two changes at the selection table. 

After serving as an emergency last Sunday, Toby Pink may slot straight into the backline to cover for Comben, as could youngster Wil Dawson.

Jaidyn Stephenson may be considered as a Bergman replacement following a strong performance for the Reserves. He tallied 27 disposals, two goals and an equal game-high eight intercept possessions off half-back in his return from a hand complaint.

Speedy midfielder Charlie Lazzaro once again stood out in the VFL, amassing 30 disposals and six inside 50s, positioning himself for a potential call-up.

Last time we met

A second-quarter blitz from the Hawks was the main difference between the two clubs when they met earlier this season in Round 6.

The Kangas nabbed the first two majors of the contest but Hawthorn quickly gained control of the contest and ultimately ran away 45-point winners.

Tristan Xerri fought hard for the Roos, finishing with 44 hitouts, 18 disposals, 10 clearances, 10 tackles and a goal assist, while Paul Curtis and Nick Larkey booted three goals apiece.