The North Melbourne playing list returned to training on Monday morning after a week off with the bye. 

The break gave the players to rest their bodies after a tough opening half of the season. 

“It gets to this time of year and the body starts to get a bit sore, so it’s really important for everyone,” Pittard told North Media after Monday’s session.

The group eased back into things, with some activities based around team bonding.

“The last month has been fantastic, a few wins puts the smiles on the faces," Pittard said. 

“The way we have been playing, and keeping the week-to-week positive and training hard, makes the workplace somewhere people enjoy coming to.” 

The session then moved into some match simulation type drills, with the intensity and focus lifting. 

Having won three of their last four matches, the Roos will be hoping to continue the momentum they held before the bye. 

“The last three or four weeks we have shown how well we can play, and the challenge for the last part of the season we want to consistently bring that brand of footy that our fans can be proud of,” Pittard said.

Shaun Higgins returned to the track for some very light training, enjoying a run and some kicking. 

The Roos face a big task this Saturday night, when they take on the in-form Magpies at Marvel Stadium. 

“It’s going to be a huge challenge," Pittard added.  

“I’m not sure who is going to take who, but it’s a team defence time of game.

“Whoever gets the role on guys like (Jordan) De Goey, we will be expecting guys to come off and help.

“They are really dangerous at ground level, but we have played forward lines like that this year, and I think we have done a good job."