North defender Jamie Macmillan says the club isn’t taking its fast start for granted.
The Roos have been handed the toughest draw according to Champion Data, but have begun season 2016 in strong fashion, winning two from two.
According to Macmillan, the importance of a solid opening to the season was something not lost on those at Arden Street.
“It’s no secret the last few years we have been chasing our tail come the mid-season bye, so we’d like to get off to a nice start and 2-0 is the perfect start,” Macmillan told ABC Grandstand on Sunday.
“We need to make the most out of first half of the year.”
North takes on Melbourne at Blundstone Arena in Hobart next weekend, and despite the Demons' loss to Essendon, Macmillan said all players knew there was no such thing as an easy game in the current era.
“If you’re not on your game these days, you’re off by a couple of percent, you can get done.
“Footy these days it really is down to 18 teams, whereas a couple of years ago it may have been out of four or five.”
The 24-year-old said the win over Brisbane was hard-fought, with the warm conditions making the clash seem more like wet-weather football.
“It was pleasing to get the victory up there, and it hasn’t exactly been the best of stomping grounds up there in the last few years, but it was good to come away with four points.
“We didn’t start too well, overusing the footy early, but I think we adapted better after quarter-time and followed the game plan and the instructions a little bit better and we were able to kick a few goals.”
The number 34 was glowing in his praise of teammate Brent Harvey who again had a big influence on the result.
“Last week he basically turned the game for us… yesterday he produces again and kicks a couple of crucial goals. It doesn’t surprise anyone inside our four walls,” Macmillan said.
“It makes us feel pretty bad at times, when we’re crying out for a rest… Boomer is putting his hand up to go again.”
Macmillan also spoke highly of Daniel Wells.
“‘Wellsy’ is just a class above, he’s clean and I think for us, to have that little bit of outside speed … he’s been a tremendous addition for us. He’s almost been like a new recruit.
“He’s just a smooth mover.”
