As the players enjoy a well-earned break heading into the bye, NMFC.com.au looks ahead to the games fans can most look forward to in the second half of the year.

Boomer’s Friday night celebration
Round 13 v St Kilda

Brent Harvey broke the games-record against the Saints last year, so it’s only fitting the club celebrates his remarkable career in the teams’ first clash for 2017.

The little champion will complete a lap of honour, with his jumper unfurled from the Etihad Stadium rafters ahead of the big game.

On the field, the Saints will provide a huge challenge in the Roos’ favourite timeslot. 

Lachlan Hansen is also set to celebrate his 150th career game.

Turning the tables
Round 14 v Western Bulldogs and Round 16 v Fremantle

After giving up 29-point leads against both the Bulldogs and Dockers, North will be looking to bounce back in the return fixtures.

The Bulldogs hit their straps just before the bye, while Fremantle has surprised many, sitting a win inside the top eight.

Can North get one back on two finals’ contenders?

A long road to 100
Round 17 v Port Adelaide

A wretched run of injuries meant it took Robbie Tarrant eight seasons to get to his first milestone, 50 games, but the forward-turned-defender has since become one of the Roos’ most reliable players.

The 2016 Syd Barker Medalist played every game last year and is on track to reach the 100-game mark in enemy territory, against 40,000+ screaming Port Adelaide fans.

He’s sure to have his hands full against Charlie Dixon and a dangerous Power forward-line, with Port currently sitting fifth on the table.

North doesn’t have a great record at Adelaide Oval, with four losses from four games against the Crows – can the Roos get the job done on a big night for their vice-captain? 

The old rival
Round 18 v Essendon

The close geographical proximity of the two clubs led to a rivalry that has lasted for more than a century, beginning in the late 1800’s and perhaps at its highest point on-field in the late 90’s and early 2000’s.

Who could forget the “marshmallow game”? And more recently the 2014 Elimination Final in which North famously fought back to win at the 'G?

The Roos’ matches against Essendon are eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike every year, and the Round 18 clash will be no different.

Both sides sit outside the eight right now, but the evenness of the competition means every team is still a chance of playing in September; the history of the two teams means this one will hold extra significance.

North's Tassie fortress
Round 19 v Melbourne

North fans will remember the team’s first quarter in Round 7 for a long time. 

The Roos return to Tassie for the first time since booting 10.4 against the Crows in an amazing 30 minutes just three months earlier.

It was a fascinating clash when Ben Brown’s five goals led North to victory against Melbourne in Round 9, and those who were at Blundstone Arena in Round 3 of 2016 will vouch for an amazing game which saw 41 goals kicked and a five-point win for the home side.

Deep into the season, the repercussions of the four points could be huge.

Shaun Atley is set to celebrate game 150 at the Roos’ home away from home.

Remembering ‘77
Round 20 v Collingwood

North will pay tribute to its 1977 premiership heroes 40 years since the famous drawn Grand Final and subsequent victory a week later against Collingwood.

A home game against the Magpies always draws a huge crowd, and with both teams boasting some exciting youth and seasoned stars, it promises to be a Saturday night blockbuster.

Tassie tussle
Round 21 v Hawthorn

North has become familiar with the surrounds of Blundstone Arena in Hobart, but hasn’t played at University of Tasmania Stadium since back in 2012.

The Hawks have a formidable record in Launceston, having won 20 of their past 21 at the venue – will the Roos be able to gain an edge with their knowledge of the Tassie conditions?

North’s Tassie fans will no doubt be out in force to support their team.

Thompson’s 200th
Round 23 v Brisbane

The key-defender is set to celebrate a magical milestone in the final round of the season, notching game 200.

North has won its last two at the Gabba against Brisbane, but its overall record isn’t as flattering – six wins from 19 games. 

Likewise the Lions, whose once fortress-like home has become a tough stomping ground; they’ve lost 12 of their last 13 games at home.

Who will celebrate the end of the home and away season with a victory?