He’s arguably North’s greatest player, but does he barrack for the Kangaroos? In his column for The Age, Wayne Carey answered that exact question.

“Well, I support them but I don’t barrack for them, if that makes sense,” he wrote.

“I don’t shout and jeer during matches, just as I don’t get overly upset if they lose or overly excited if they win. As a commentator, I look at them like any other team.

“I have a great relationship with my old club, but the simple fact is I don’t get emotionally involved in games.”

But he does admit to having a soft spot for one Roo in particular.

“What I most like to do is watch great players - Luke Hodge, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett, Chris Judd, Lance Franklin, Jack Ziebell and Jeremy Cameron are among my favourites - and exciting teams.”

Focusing on North this season, Carey believes now is the time North needs to stand-up.

“Certainly there’s plenty to be excited about, but it’s time for the talking to stop and the action to start.  The Kangaroos have to put the score on the board.

“The Kangas know they’ll get a consistent, high-quality output from the likes of Ziebell, Wells, Thompson, Goldstein and Petrie. For them to finish top-four this year, they need some of these second- and third-tier players to have breakout seasons.”

And he’s be looking for improved defence against the Bombers on Friday night.

“I reckon they’ve got their offensive strategy worked out beautifully. They were the No.1-ranked team at stoppages and clearances last year - but were scored against far too easily. You can get away with playing kamikaze footy against the weaker sides, but it won’t work in September.

“Elsewhere, I’ll be looking for continued improvement from Aaron Black, Ben Cunnington, Shaun Atley and Ziebell, who I believe is ready to become one of the game’s elite midfielders.”

Ben Cunnington and Aaron Black also came in for some praise.

“Cunnington is underrated. Last year, he had the highest contested possession rate for any midfielder in the AFL who played more than five games. He has also formed a good understanding with Todd Goldstein and they were ranked the second-best ruck-rover combination.

“Black was also outstanding in 2013 and started to show that he’s ready to take Petrie’s mantle as the club’s premier forward. He was the Roos’ second-most used target last year, so the players have got confidence in him. He also has good defensive skills and mobility - almost the complete package.