There aren’t too many players setting personal bests at the age of 31, but for Scott Thompson, Saturday night saw him record a career high number of marks.

With 15 marks and 25 disposals, Thompson was one of North’s star contributors, but in true fashion, he did all he could to play it down.

“I got a few switches and a few uncontested marks, so I wouldn’t read too much into that,” a humble Thompson told North Media.

“The defenders worked well together, and it did help with the midfield putting heaps of pressure on.”

North’s defence has been the highlight of the season so far, having conceded the least amount of points in the AFL.

Thompson credits his fellow defenders, but also acknowledges the immense pressure North’s midfielders and forwards continue to put on the opposition around the ground.  

“It’s obviously not just the defenders, we rely on the forwards and the midfield so much to put pressure on,” he said.

“It just shows that the team is really gelling together, and hopefully we can keep building on that, and if that’s the stat, we’d like to hold onto that for the whole year.”

Thompson says Majak Daw has been a welcome inclusion to the back six.

Daw, who held his spot in the side after being a late inclusion in Round 3, played one of his best games on the weekend.  

“Maj has been terrific since coming down to the backline,” Thompson said.

“His athleticism is unbelievable for a defender, his spoils are huge because he can just outreach anyone and his closing speed’s great.

“He’s fitted in really well so far, and I know all the other boys are liking him down there.”

With the likes of Ben McKay, Sam Durdin and Sam Wright waiting in the VFL, Thompson is excited by the fact there are quality players waiting in the wings.

“With the VFL under North, they play the same brand we do,” he said.

“So if we do have injuries or someone misses, the next person that steps in takes their role, and if you have 22 playing their role it goes a long way to getting that win.”