Everything finally went right for Aaron Black last year as he enjoyed his breakout season.

The only problem is everyone took notice - especially opposition defenders.

The North Melbourne key forward has received much closer attention this season and has struggled for consistency.

But he helped spark the Kangaroos last Sunday with two first-quarter goals in the big away win over West Coast.

It's a small step he aims to build on this Sunday night when North Melbourne play struggling Richmond at Etihad Stadium.

"I might have been let off the hook a bit (last year) in terms of defenders not manning me up as much or not knowing the way I play," Black said.

"This year, I've noticed I'm getting more tightly manned up."

After only playing four games in his first two AFL seasons, Black had 18 last year and kicked 33 goals.

This season, he has only managed 14 goals in 10 games.

But he is hardly alone - key forwards around the AFL have found it tough.

There was a big spotlight on teammate Majak Daw after the round-10 loss to Geelong and North's main key forward Drew Petrie has also found the going tough.

"A lot of teams are wanting to get a spare defender (back) ... most teams, their forward line is outnumbered," Black said.

"It's not often you get a one-on-one situation.

"We train to try and work through it."

The West Coast win took North to six wins from 10 games and they are eighth.

But they have not won two games in a row since round five.

North know they must not let up against Richmond, who were dreadful last week against Essendon and are determined to rally.

"We spoke about it after the game on Sunday," Black said.

"Scotty (coach Brad Scott) said it pretty much means nothing, that win over there, if we don't back it up ... against the Tigers.

"So it's been a big focus."

Black, 23, played AFL and basketball in WA before North drafted him in 2011.

The Memphis Grizzlies fan still loves his basketball - he hopes the Spurs beat the Heat in the NBA playoffs - and finds it an enjoyable diversion from football.

When asked what he thought of the heavy media focus on Daw a few days ago, Black revealed he paid little attention to the blanket coverage that AFL receives.

"It's a good distraction, really, to take your mind off footy," Black said of basketball.

"If you're always training and then go home and watch all the footy shows, you just get caught up in it."