No one knows better than Todd Goldstein that two ruckmen – no matter how good – generally don't fit into one team in today's AFL.

Goldstein, 24, has spent the past two seasons as the Roos' No. 1 ruckman, with former teammate Hamish McIntosh injured for much of that time.

But in the six games Goldstein and McIntosh played together from 2011-12 the Roos saw enough to conclude that, unless you boasted a freakishly athletic tall like West Coast's Nic Naitanui, teams had room for only one genuine ruckman because of the sub rule introduced in 2011.

McIntosh departed for Geelong in last year's trade period seeking greater opportunity, but North acquired another ruckman in last year's draft, former Sydney Swan Daniel Currie.

Currie, 24, has quickly proved to be a quality pick up - so much so that Goldstein again finds himself with strong competition for the Roos' ruck position.

When he spoke at Aegis Park on Thursday, Goldstein still did not know whether he'd been given the nod for North's round-one clash with Collingwood at Etihad Stadium this Sunday.

Despite admitting Currie's strong pre-season form had made the lead-up to North's selection nerve-wracking, Goldstein said he welcomed the challenge of trying to hold on to to his ruck spot.    

"You never like fighting for one position, but it makes us both better," Goldstein said.

"We can really learn off each other, push each other and hopefully that just makes us better players, which is going to help the side in general.

"I think you always like to know that you're in the side, but it does also drive you to work harder and get better, which can only help me."

The first real indication Goldstein faced a battle to maintain his hold on North's ruck role came when Currie was selected in the Roos' round-three NAB Cup team that took on Geelong and Goldstein went back to the VFL to play for North Ballarat.

Goldstein said he had been comfortable with North's decision.

"You never like having to not play in the senior side but I'd prefer [playing in the VFL] than having a rest and not being able to get any match fitness or any game preparation for the season.

"So I was more than happy to go back and hopefully be a leader at North Ballarat and hopefully have a good game and help them out."

Goldstein conceded he had a slow start to North's NAB Cup campaign, but was content his form had improved over the Roos' pre-season games.

"I've been happy with my pre-season as a whole. I don't think I've done that much wrong," he said.

"So it's just about trying to improve and I feel like I've done that."

Goldstein had an outstanding game when North last met the Pies in round 21 last season.

Goldstein was instrumental in the Roos' 30-point win that night, dominating against Pies ruckman Darren Jolly with 18 possessions and 40 hit-outs.

Goldstein said that win would give North's players confidence ahead of Sunday's clash, adding that the Roos' squad was well placed to make an impact this season.  

"I think this is the best we've been as a squad, the most confident we've been," he said.

"I think that winning culture that we started to develop last year and into the NAB Cup really has helped us."