Sam Gibson believes North Melbourne will be able to field a strong side in Round 1, with a healthy list meaning competition for spots is heating up.

The 29-year-old said all players were pushing hard in the lead up to this weekend’s NAB Challenge as the club prepares for its season-opener against Adelaide on Easter Saturday.

“I heard a stat the other day that 40 guys have already played NAB (Challenge), which is huge,” Gibson told NMFC.com.au.

“No doubt we’ll be pretty tight for spots this week and then again into Round 1, which is a really good thing for a club, lots of healthy pressure and we’ll be fielding just about the best side we can.”

After months of pre-season training, Gibson admitted the playing group was “itching” for the season proper.

“(We are) ready to go now, it’s been a long summer. We’re here to play footy, we’re not here to run laps of the track, so we’re itching to go.”

Gibson made his first appearance for 2016 in the clash with the Pies, following a slightly interrupted pre-season due to minor ankle surgery.

But the number 43 said he was feeling good and ready to play back up against Hawthorn.

“We have been conditioned for it (the heat), but that’s my first competitive hit-out,” he said of Saturday's game in Wagga Wagga.

“I certainly felt pretty good out there and I’m sure after next week we should be ready to go.”

Saturday’s match also saw the return of Daniel Wells, and Gibson said he was pleased to see the number eight back in full flight.

“I think when he’s up and about he’s almost one of our most important players, so it’s really good that he’s now playing a bit of footy and getting a bit of reward for all the training he’s been doing in the off-season and the pre-season,” he added.

“He certainly gives you a lift when he’s out there, because he is such a silky player and so damaging.”