IT'S RARE that a player knows on Tuesday that he's definitely in the side for the coming weekend.

It's almost unheard of when that player has struggled with inconsistency and has worn the wrath of his coach.

However, that's the situation for North Melbourne onballer Daniel Harris, informed by Dean Laidley that his place in the side is safe and to prepare as normal.

A Melbourne newspaper speculated on Tuesday that Harris could be dropped as the Kangaroos look to resurrect their season against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

"I had a meeting with him (Laidley) and he said I'm going to play this week," Harris said. "He picks the team and players play.

"It does [give me some confidence]. I've got a job to do this weekend and I'm looking forward to it."

Laidley's ire was directed at North's midfielders after the round 12 thrashing from Fremantle, and Harris responded emphatically as one of his side's best in a surprise win over Hawthorn.

However, the inconsistency that has riddled the Roos' season entered for the last quarter against St Kilda the next week, with a 16-point lead slipping to a 15-point loss.

Laidley suggested post-match that he would swing the axe, and that some senior players could be replaced by youngsters on the cusp.

"I suppose we probably deserved it (Laidley's spray)," Harris said. "It's how you respond the next week that's really important. The last quarter against the St Kilda Football Club wasn't acceptable, so we move on.

"We just didn't have ball-winners in the last quarter. That's what it comes down to, winning the contested footy.

"It's a very important game for the football club this weekend, to go over there and to beat Port Adelaide. We haven't done it for a while."

Harris added that his teammates didn't feel pressure ahead of selection, despite Laidley's comments.

"The boys know it's going to be a great challenge, but I don't think they feel threatened at all," he said. "To go over there and win in a hostile environment is a big effort, but the boys are up to it after the weekend off.

"I suppose it's getting back to what you do well. Last year we were right up there in contested football and, when we do that, we're a very good side.

"But as soon as we start going away from that, as a team and as individuals, we start to struggle."