Wayne Carey believes North Melbourne is on the way to fixing the issues that caused the side to stumble earlier in the season to the likes of Collingwood and the Gold Coast.

The former club captain says the next three weeks will give everyone a chance to see where the Roos are truly placed.

"The fact is that despite their recent run of six consecutive wins, North have beaten only two of the seven other sides that are in the top eight – Richmond and West Coast. Both wins were in their new fortress, Tasmania,” Carey wrote in his weekly column in The Age.

"But if ever they wanted to stamp themselves as a flag contender, the time is now.

"Following the Dockers, they take on the exciting Bulldogs, before facing the Tigers again in their final home-and-away match. If they can beat those sides – particularly Ross Lyon's dour Dockers – they'll be eyeing another deep run into September. At the very least they'll make any opponent they face very nervous."

Carey said the Roos are a “more composed group when under pressure” which should hold them in good stead.

“This is their time to make a statement, to boost their confidence and credentials,” he said.

"They have played some really good tempo footy at the right times, which was an area in which they'd previously struggled.

Carey said the recruitment of Shaun Higgins was an inspired choice with the former Bulldog exactly what North needed.

"Higgins has arguably emerged as the recruit of the year. Not only has he added a bit of class to the side, but he's been able to sense his moments and has played some really big quarters when the Kangaroos have needed it most,” Carey said.

But Todd Goldstein is the main reason for the Kangaroos’ improvement according to Carey.

"Goldstein has easily cemented his place among the best ruckmen in the competition, if not the best. He's given his onballers first use, pressured with his follow-up work, taken clutch marks and, crucially, has won plenty of his own ball that's resulted in some valuable shots on goal.

"Goldstein makes for the complete package and he's clearly one of the reasons North have improved. And that's coming from someone who hasn't always acknowledged the impact of ruckmen."

While the players control the club's immediate future, Carey said North’s list management group will have its work cut out come the post season.

"Like all sides, the way they recruit and trade will be paramount to their chances beyond this year," Carey said.

"Emotion has to be taken out of the equation, which is easier said than done when you take a look at the veterans who are approaching the ends of their careers.

"Harvey, Petrie, Firrito, Dal Santo, Waite. They are all huge names in the Kangaroos side, but are any of them going to be playing in two years' time? Clearly doubtful.

"Which highlights how important the next three weeks and this finals series is for the Kangaroos. Their time is now.”

The dual premiership winner suspects North needs to land a big fish.

"Securing the signatures of a couple of stars – and getting the right mix of young talent coming through – will ensure the Kangaroos are around the mark for a few years to come."