North Melbourne champion Anthony Stevens says the Roos will need to be at their best to take it up to Collingwood on Sunday.

The former number 10 believes the significance of Round 1 can’t be understated and getting off to a strong start can be vital for sustained success.

“They’re (the Magpies) going to be very tough to beat,” Stevens told NMFC.com.au.

“As we all know, first-up everyone’s excited to go out and bash the crap out of each other in the first quarter, then you see the real footy after that.

“It will be a great opportunity for the Kangaroos to start off well and show the footy public that they’re fair-dinkum.”

Despite missing Clinton Young, Alan Didak and Dale Thomas, the Magpies still loom as an extremely tough opponent for Brad Scott and his team.

“Collingwood’s a fantastic side. Knowing Nathan Buckley and the professional guy that he is, he’ll be getting the utmost out of the boys this year.

“They’re going to be a force to be reckoned with.”

But having been a part of a developing young side himself in the 90’s, Stevens knows North will continue its improvement too.  

“They (the Kangaroos) had a great end to the season last year. It’s full credit to the coaching of Brad Scott, the assistants and the young kids.

“You look at Ben Cunnington. He wears number 10 so I take a great interest in him, and look at the way he plays.  He’s super-impressive and had a great finish to the season.”

Stevens believes similar development from Cunnington’s team-mates will hold North in good stead for years to come.

“To perform the way they did (last year), back each other and have the confidence in the game-plan and just give it a red hot go. It was very inspiring from a past player to see the side coming along with such a young list.

“Especially when I’ve got a young fella who’s six, turning seven this year and really getting into his footy; it looks to be a great era in the next 10-years for the North Melbourne Football Club. “