North defender Luke McDonald says tightening up the defensive unit has been an area of focus this pre-season campaign.

The 20-year-old, who was an integral member of the Roos’ half-back line in his debut season last year, returns to the squad for Saturday’s NAB Challenge clash against Richmond at Etihad Stadium.

McDonald said linking up from defence to attack is crucial to the team’s fortunes this year.

“We want to move the ball as quickly as we can but we can’t substitute defence,” McDonald said at a school clinic on Thursday.

“We want a really good and strong backline, if we get that right, it will bring our attacking game.

“You look at Hawthorn and they move the ball quick but they’ve got a bloody rock solid defence.”

Fellow backmen Robbie Tarrant and Joel Tippett have fast-tracked their development in the side’s back six this pre-season, taking advantage of the absences of experienced pair Nathan Grima (back) and Lachie Hansen (hip).

McDonald said the team has adapted to the game plan and it was beginning to show in the game sense training sessions and NAB Challenge matches.

“I think compared to last pre-season we’re definitely playing a lot better footy, we’re not sitting back, we’re playing the way we want to play,” he said.

The 189cm youngster has spent his pre-season with both the backs and midfielders, and expects to fulfil midfield responsibilities in his second year at Arden Street.

“It’s just good to (develop) parts of my game, just about being flexible and playing other positions,” he said.

“It’s been good just to worry about improving and not being too worried about dominating or anything.”