The Kangaroos are relying on a big turnaround in the second half of the season and their draw doesn’t get any easier from here.
A look at the ladder paints the picture of the challenge ahead.
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The Kangaroos also face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, and Brisbane at the GABBA.
Percentage is perhaps the greatest asset with the club’s losses for the most-part tight and its wins impressive.
Can Brad Scott’s team replicate the late surge that took it to a finals berth in 2012? 12 wins is the likely minimum requirement to make it, so it won’t be an easy task.
NMFC.com.au looks at the upcoming schedule for the final 11 rounds.
Round 13 v Fremantle – Patersons Stadium (A)
Current record: 5th place – 8 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw
Minus the services of Aaron Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich, the Dockers have been one of the surprise packets of the competition.
Breaking through their defence is one thing, but overcoming the impact of the crowd at Subiaco is another challenge.
Fremantle has won its last four overall, and 10 of its last 11 matches at the ground, meaning North will need to be at its best early to stay in the game.
Round 14 v Greater Western Sydney – Etihad Stadium (H)
Current record: 18th place – 0 wins, 12 losses
The Giants have been soundly beaten in most of their matches this year, but can’t be taken lightly.
They pushed the Bombers all the way in Round 6, and despite a 59-point loss, they were ultra-impressive against Geelong only a fortnight ago.
North will look to make the most of the Giants’ poor record away from home, in which it is yet to win in 16 outings in its history.
Round 15 v Richmond – Etihad Stadium (H)
Current record: 7th place – 7 wins, 4 losses
The Tigers are one of the form sides of the competition and with winnable games against the Bulldogs and St Kilda in the next two weeks, they could go into the Round 15 clash full of confidence.
North and Richmond have a recent history of close matches, and this one could be no exception.
Round 16 v Brisbane – GABBA (A)
Current record: 15th place – 3 wins, 8 losses
North’s Round 4 win against the Lions was arguably its best of the season so far, but at the GABBA it becomes a whole new ball game.
The Kangaroos haven’t won at the venue since 2005, although it’s not the fortress it once was in the Lions’ glory days.
Round 17 v Carlton – Etihad Stadium (H)
Current record: 8th place – 6 wins, 6 losses
The Blues’ ladder position perhaps isn’t an accurate reflection of just how impressive they’ve been.
Close losses against Geelong, Hawthorn and Essendon are evidence of a quality side, although the Kangaroos could be considered similar.
Upcoming clashes against Sydney and Collingwood may provide a greater gauge of exactly where Carlton is at.
Nevertheless, with a top eight appearance likely to be on the line, there’s sure to be plenty of heat in the Friday night blockbuster.
Round 18 v Melbourne – Etihad Stadium (A)
Current record: 17th place – 1 win, 10 losses
With a coaching change, the Demons will be full of energy in the coming weeks.
North’s recent record against Melbourne (10 wins in a row) will mean nothing come game-day.
Round 19 v Geelong – Etihad Stadium (H)
Current record: 2nd place – 10 wins, 1 loss
The Cats’ experienced heads got them over the line in Round 2 after North dominated.
Letting go of a 42-point lead will be on the minds of the Kangaroos, but could also provide the perfect motivation to turn the tide.
Round 20 v Adelaide – AAMI Stadium (A)
Current record: 11th place – 5 wins, 7 losses
Brenton Sanderson’s men saluted in fine style in Round 9 against the odds, and in front of their home crowd, they will go in with plenty of confidence.
North hasn’t won at AAMI Stadium against Adelaide since 2003, so the task is huge.
With a tough run in the lead-up, the Crows’ finals hopes may be already decided.
Round 21 v Essendon – Etihad Stadium (A)
Current record: 3rd place – 9 wins, 3 losses
Given the Bombers’ current form, the game could have top four repercussions.
North has no troubles finding motivation for matches against an old rival, so it’s sure to be a great battle no matter the circumstances.
Round 22 v Hawthorn – Etihad Stadium (H)
Current record: 1st place – 10 wins, 1 loss
After a heartbreaking loss in Round 5, the Kangaroos know they can match it with the ladder-leader.
The Hawks won’t be easing up leading into the finals, pushing to keep their momentum going.
Round 23 v Collingwood – MCG (A)
Current record: 6th place – 8 wins, 4 losses
The Magpies’ form is hard to read after three wins against lower-placed sides, but they are at their best come the pointy end of the season and will provide another huge challenge.
