The challenge for North this week is finding a way to maintain momentum.
A season-opening win for the first time since 2009 has spirits high at Arden Street, but it will mean little if the Roos can't bring four points home from the Gabba.
Teams
North Melbourne
B: Michael Firrito, Robbie Tarrant, Sam Wright
HB: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Jamie Macmillan
C: Sam Gibson, Daniel Wells, Brent Harvey
HF: Shaun Higgins, Jarrad Waite, Ben Brown
F: Taylor Garner, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
Int: Ben Cunnington, Nick Dal Santo, Luke McDonald, Kayne Turner
Emer: Ben Jacobs, Lachlan Hansen, Aaron Mullett
In: Kayne Turner
Out: Jed Anderson (hamstring)
Brisbane
B: D Gardiner, D Merrett, C Beams
HB: S Mayes, H Andrews, D Rich
C: R Lester, A Christensen, L Taylor
HF: P Hanley, D McStay, J Green
F: J Walker, J Schache, T Bell
Fol: S Martin, D Zorko, T Rockliff
Int: R Harwood, R Bastinac, R Bewick, T Cutler
Emer: N Robertson, L Dawson, J Freeman
In: D Merrett, D Zorko, J Green
Out: M Robinson (calf), J Freeman (omitted), M Paparone (hamstring)
Run and carry
The number one talking point to come out of last weekend’s opening round games was the willingness of teams to attack.
In scoring 102 against the typically stingy West Coast defence, Brisbane has clearly shifted its game style from last season.
The Lions only scored 38 and 51 in two games against the Kangaroos in 2015 so if their game at Domain Stadium is anything to go by, North's backs will need to be at their best.
It may mean a different approach for the Kangaroos in terms of their team defence.
Talking point: How will North Melbourne restrict Brisbane’s desire to play an open, free-flowing game?
The first trip
A quirk of the AFL draw means all nine home teams from Round 1 travel for Round 2, and vice versa.
The first interstate game of the season has the capability to set a tone – not only for the rest of the game, but for future trips interstate.
For instance, North trailed at quarter time in three interstate matches (excluding Blundstone Arena) in 2015. It lost them all, unable to overcome the early deficit.
How will the visitors’ start and how does that carry through the rest of the afternoon?
Changing the defence
Adelaide’s forward line featured the likes of Taylor Walker, Josh Jenkins and Tom Lynch – all more than capable in the air and with plenty of football under their belts.
On the other hand, Brisbane’s goals tend to come largely from its small to medium sized types – all but four of its 15 majors against West Coast were via Allen Christensen, Lewis Taylor, Daniel Rich, Tom Rockliff and Pearce Hanley.
Much like the first talking point of the preview, a reshuffle in style will likely be in order. A defender like Scott Thompson could be asked to play on a small again, and similarly for Michael Firrito after taking on the task of Jenkins at Etihad Stadium.
How will the defensive setup look against a smaller Brisbane forward line?
