Despite North resting several of its key players, Luke McDonald and his team-mates will be doing everything they can to get the four points against Richmond on Friday night.
The Roos made nine changes to the side that lost to the Bulldogs when teams were released on Thursday, but McDonald said the inclusions were more than capable of performing on the big stage.
“They all ready and good players in their own right, so we are really excited for tomorrow night,” he told NMFC.com.au.
“They’ve been banging down the door in the VFL.”
Majak Daw, Mason Wood, Trent Dumont and Joel Tippett are amongst the players set to face off against a near full-strength Tigers’ team.
“Training today was really exciting running around with a few of the younger boys,” McDonald said.
“We’re all great mates so it was really good to go out and train with them and I can’t wait to play tomorrow night.
“There’s a lot of guys playing for spots, me included, so we’ll be doing absolutely everything to get the win and play well.
“We’re not taking a backward step. Everyone’s really excited and raring to go. Brad’s made that pretty clear.”
McDonald missed last week due to soreness and appreciates the value of resting his body.
“I feel very good because I was getting pretty sore, but I’ve got rid of all the niggles and I’m raring to go. It’s just awesome getting it (a rest),” he said.
“I suppose even just game day not being as stressed … you can just watch the game and learn a bit as well.
“It’s really good for the body and just mentally to relax and put the feet up, but in saying that it’s a really exciting time of the year and you want to be out on the park.”
McDonald said getting a season under his belt in 2014 has prepared him well for another long season.
“It’s definitely a lot better this year than last year, I think I was pretty mentally drained towards the end of last year just backing up each week,” he added.
“(I) had the spell in the VFL and got the rest last week, so I’m feeling really good and a lot stronger and better prepared than I was last year.”
