A St Kilda side with the capability to play seriously good football is North’s next opponent.
Although the Saints have a 2-4 record after six rounds, there have been enough signs to show they can be a dangerous matchup.
North trailed St Kilda by more than three goals at half time the last time they met, so history should play a large part in preparation.
The Saints play a high possession style – only one club, the Western Bulldogs, have had more disposals this season.
Five players average more than 25 disposals a game in Jack Steven, Leigh Montagna, Seb Ross, Jack Newnes and David Armitage.
Armitage and Steven is the duo the Saints rely on at the contest – it has almost a third of the team’s total clearances this season.
The remaining three – Montagna, Ross and Newnes – have the most uncontested possessions for the Saints, providing outside polish to complement Armitage and Stevens.
St Kilda’s forward line structure is up in the air after its heavy win against Melbourne.
Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce are fixtures – 27 goals between them show they’re hitting the scoreboard regularly. Paddy McCartin had been occupying the third tall role, but was rested last week.
In his place was Tim Membrey, who kicked five goals to be one of the best players on the ground. At 188cm, the former Swan isn’t a true key position size but can play much taller.
The Saints have been involved in high scoring matches this year. It is conceding more than 100 points per game, while averaging more than 90 per game.
Of particular interest is their first and last quarters. They have only won two out of the 12 quarters in sharp contrast to the Roos, who have won eight.
Coming off a nine-day break, North will be looking to charge right out of the blocks.