Scott Thompson says North Melbourne is working to maintain a consistent level of defensive pressure as the side moves through the second half of the season.

North sits in seventh position on the ladder and plays Brisbane at the GABBA on Saturday night. Despite the fact the Lions are languishing near the bottom, Thompson says all sides are vulnerable if things don't go to plan.

"I think if you don't bring that pressure to every game then you can get beaten any day," he told SEN's The Run Home.

"We've definitely been inconsistent during the year and our losses have been disappointing when our tackling and pressure is just that 5 per cent off."

PRESS PLAY above to listen to the Scott Thompson SEN interview

The Roos piled the pressure on Melbourne on Sunday and won the game in the third quarter with a goal-blitz.

"We definitely thought we could pick them apart because they are such a one-on-one team and our midfield played really well."

Thompson's focus is now on the Lions and he's breathing a sigh of relief knowing Jonathan Brown won't be lining up.

"I remember in my early days it was actually scary lining up on him, just the confidence he had on the field and he could turn games on his own boot."