A rampant Lance Franklin awaits North Melbourne on Friday night, and his likely opponent can’t wait for the challenge.
The Sydney forward has kicked several bags against the Roos over the years; his goal tally of 58 in 16 matches comparable to his records against Essendon (64 in 13) and Collingwood (60 in 15).
According to Scott Thompson, only a team effort will allow North to stop Franklin.
"Like any team, if the pressure is good, you have a chance,” Thompson told The Age.
“Buddy is obviously in great form, kicking lots of goals, was probably best on (in Round 9). It's obvious a good team effort is needed because he is a superstar.
"The really good forwards you can tell – they only need two minutes and they can turn the game on its head. He’s done it to us before ... you have got to take him the whole time and not let him get a sniff because once he gets his confidence up he is hard to stop."
Not only is Franklin dangerous, his teammates are also threatening in front of goal.
"They have obviously got some other guys. (Kurt) Tippett has been going forward a bit and playing really well," Thompson said.
In addition to Tippett’s 15 goals this season, Isaac Heeney has also kicked 15, while youngster Tom Papley is the other Swan in double figures with 11.
For North, it heads up to Sydney after arguably its best performance of the season so far.
"It was a really consistent game from us (against Carlton). We have been struggling to string four quarters together, so it was a complete game for us," Thompson said.
Although the Roos have set a new club record with nine consecutive wins to start the season, it’s a one week at a time mindset that will ensure the players are kept on their toes.
"We are just after that 10th win – we don't look too far forward. Sydney are obviously a good opposition. It will be good to see where we are at.
"Obviously, it's great to be 9-0 ... we want 12 wins to guarantee we're in the finals. We are not looking any further than that. Sydney is our next opportunity to get another win. We want 10 straight."
