Sydney midfielder Dan Hannebery is full of praise for North, labelling it ‘clearly the best team in the competition so far’.

“They’ve continually evolved their game plan over recent years,” Hannebery told media on Thursday.

“They’ve got a lot of quality all over the park.

“A really tall forward line, which is quite dangerous. I think Jarrad Waite is the in-form forward of the competition.

“Their midfield is pretty dangerous, with a number of guys who go through there like Wells, Dal Santo, Cunnington, Ziebell and Gibson as well as an outside runner.

“They’re quite a well-drilled side and we’re certainly going to be up against it tomorrow night.”

However, Sydney is in quality form of its own with seven wins from nine matches.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise Hannebery is confident of his own side’s chances.

“The midfields are evenly matched if you look at it across the names, it’s going to be a tight tussle in that area.

“Their forward line is incredibly dangerous, but so is ours.

“It’s going to be a pretty even contest.”

Opening Indigenous Round raises the stakes even further, and it’s an opportunity Hannebery can’t wait for.

“To play at the SCG and open Indigenous Round, it’s going to be a special night for both teams and our guys are really excited by the big test.”