Ryan Bastinac knows North Melbourne has a great challenge ahead of it to remain in touch with the top eight, but the young midfielder says he and his team-mates are capable of anything.

“We were in a similar type position last year where we had to win as many games as we could to play finals and we did that. We just need to keep playing the way we want to play,” Bastinac told Crocmedia’s Sportsday.

“I think it’s been a consistency thing with us, trying to play four quarters...there’s been patches throughout games that have let us down and cost us in the end.

“We definitely have that self-belief that if we keep playing the way we are at the minute, anything is possible.”

Ahead of the Roos’ next big test, a trip to the GABBA to take on the Lions, Bastinac expressed his confidence in the North playing group.

“We’re not afraid of anyone... we’ve proven this year we can match it with the best sides,” he added.  

“It’s just those tiny little lapses in games where it’s costing us, so if we can touch up on those things like we did on the weekend (against Richmond) and put four strong quarters together I’m sure we can get those results against top sides.

“We’re really looking forward to playing those quality sides in the next few weeks and hopefully getting victories.”

Despite some close and frustrating losses early in the season, the 22-year-old says the belief Brad Scott has shown in the players has been encouraging.

“He’s (Scott) always upbeat and really positive around the group. He believes in us, that’s what he keeps telling us, he has faith in us.

“When we’re playing the way we want to play we can beat anyone. He’s been really good for us this year in keeping us level headed and upbeat.”

To play football in September is a common goal for every AFL player, but Bastinac isn’t putting too much focus on the ‘F’ word.

“We’re trying to get to 8-8. We’ve just got to win as many games as we can, it’s as simple as that and play the kind of footy we know we can play.”

The challenge won’t be an easy one, with Geelong, Essendon, Hawthorn and Collingwood among the sides the Kangaroos have to face in the run home.