North Melbourne’s players couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to take on one of the best sides in the competition, according to coach Rhyce Shaw.
After close to a three-month break, the Roos travel to Sydney on Sunday to take on 2019 Grand Finalists, the GWS Giants.
“It’s going to be a great spectacle in terms of the footy that’s going to be played,” Shaw said.
“I’m really pleased with the way our boys have gone about it and I know we’re ready.
“They’ve (the Giants) got a very strong list. They’re well coached and they’ve been together for a long time now. They’re right in that window, to put it in simple terms.
“But everyone’s gettable.”
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Shaw believes it will be the perfect chance to test his team’s progress, and backed his players to perform.
“I just think it’s great that we get to go up there (Sydney), play against a team that played in a grand final last year on their home deck, first-up off a break,” he said.
“With the way our guys present and the way we’re going to attack this, I’m really confident in having a really good crack at it.”
While North will be without dangerous forward Nick Larkey (foot), Shaw said he was confident his potential replacements could provide cover.
The likes of Mason Wood, Lachlan Hosie and Tristan Xerri among those likely to be in the mix for a call-up.
“We’ve got a number of guys that have come back in pretty good nick and looking to put their hand up,” Shaw added.
“We’ve got a number of options we can go with, and I’m really excited about that as well.”
