With 62 tackles this year, Andrew Swallow is without question the AFL's leading tackler.

Well clear of the chasing pack (Mark Blicavs, Michael Barlow and Ollie Wines on 49), the North Melbourne captain explained why he – and everyone at the club – has been able to constantly put the pressure on opposition sides.

“You just want to make the job as easy as possible for your defenders,” Swallow told NMFC.com.au.

“The more we can tackle and put pressure on, the more chance we have of winning the footy back and going forward.

“It’s been a massive emphasis for us for a number of years now but we think we’re consistently getting that in games now which is pleasing.”

On an individual note, the 28-year-old has been rounding into better form in North’s last few victories.

After an interrupted pre-season, Swallow averaged 17 disposals a match in the first four rounds. However he’s lifted that average to nearly 22 in the last three wins, while also increasing his clearance average from three to more than six.

“I probably struggled the first few rounds of the year,” Swallow admitted.

“I feel like I’m starting to have a bit more impact on games. It would be nice to get a bit more of the footy, but as long as I’m doing the tackles, causing some turnovers, that’s my role.”

With Essendon next on the fixture, the midfielder is looking forward to seeing a new Bomber on the field.

“It’ll be nice to hopefully be lining up against Nathan Grima. That’ll be a bit of fun for the boys and hopefully they can get one back on him."

Watch the full interview in the video player at the top of the page