Todd Goldstein says the Roos are developing a “strong sense of work ethic” heading into 2019.

The inclusions of five new recruits, seven draftees and some familiar faces hoping to return to full fitness before Round 1 is creating healthy competition, according to the North ruckman.

“It’s going to be a nightmare to pick a 22, which is what you want,” Goldstein told SEN.

“It’s really competitive at the club at the moment, and I think we’ve got about a dozen midfielders that feel like they deserve a Round 1 spot, and there’s probably only half a dozen that can play.

“That breeds a strong sense of work ethic at the club, and hopefully it only pushes the group up further.”

Three months into his 12th pre-season, Goldstein is confident North can improve on its ninth-placed finish last year.

“Overall our list has improved over the off-season and things are going really well, but in saying that, I think every footy club thinks they’re going really well,” he said.

“It’s not until you play genuine opposition that you have a good guide.

“I think we’ve improved, we’ve tinkered a little bit with the game plan and hopefully we can come out and play a bit more attacking footy and strengthen that defence as well.”

Listen to Todd Goldstein's full interview here: