Melbourne coach Neil Craig believes North Melbourne is approaching a tipping point ahead of Saturday's clash at Etihad Stadium.

Craig claims North only needs to keep calm under pressure in order to start steamrolling its opposition.

"They're getting close to a tipping point,'' Craig said.

"They move the ball at great speed. As a stoppage team they're very, very good so they've got a lot of good things going for them.

"They've got some really good young talent.''

While North has brought in young defender Cameron Delaney for Scott McMahon, the Demons have recalled ex-Kangaroo Cam Pedersen.

"He needs to take the opportunity,'' Craig said of Pedersen.

"He's got some great qualities but he needs to start to cement (his spot) or create what I call team security.

"He has very good aerial skills. It does come down to consistency of performance.

"That will be Cam's challenge.''

Pedersen will play in defence and may be called on to counter Drew Petrie, Robbie Tarrant or Aaron Black.

Craig doesn’t believe Pedersen will be out to prove anything to his former club.

"He may consider that. I'd like to think that players are better than that.''

"They don't just play well against their old team.''