Lachlan Hansen didn't hesitate when asked to describe Jarrad Waite's elimination final performance against Richmond last week.

"He was pretty much the difference," the defender told The Herald Sun.

“The big crowd doesn’t faze him — and that’s what you need in big, crucial finals."

Hansen knows all about Waite's ability having matched up on him several times when he played for Carlton.

“I remember one Friday night he was a late in; he wasn’t going to play. He came in and I played on him and by half-time he’d kicked three and had about 10 marks and I’ve gone, ‘Yeah, he is a very good player’.

“I knew his best was really, really good, but when he was a little bit off, he was a little bit off.

“He plays like he’s playing local footy. He just goes out there and does what he does best.

“The footy he’s been playing has been unbelievable, especially in a big final like on Sunday (against Richmond).”

Waite played 13 seasons with the Blues before heading to Arden Street as a free agent. His recruitment is now being hailed a masterstroke following his four goal, eight mark performance in his first final with North last Sunday.

The 32-year-old has slotted in well with the Kangaroos, according to Sam Gibson.

“He’s laid-back, he doesn’t take himself too seriously, which is good and probably why he’s been able to have a career as long as he has,” Gibson said.

Waite will play his 22nd game for the season on Saturday night against the Swans, and North will be hoping it's every bit as good as last week.

“He doesn’t take the downs too badly and he doesn’t get carried away with the highs either," Gibson said.