North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos' coach Darren Crocker has praised the defensive effort of his team in last weekend’s 11-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

North was under the pump late in the fourth quarter but managed to hold firm against a fast finishing Bulldogs side, a quality Crocker thinks will stand up against Brisbane this weekend.

“Teams can really try to take advantage of territory if you give it to them, they can really lock it in their front half,” Crocker told North Media.

“The Bulldogs did that to us at the end of the game on the weekend … we showed some really good signs to hold on and find a way to win.

“Brisbane are probably the form team of the last three weeks, they’re going to be tough … we need to keep the ability to hold up the ball in our back half if we’re under pressure.”

With this weekend’s fixture being North’s first interstate away trip this season, Crocker is backing the close-knit nature of his side to get the job done at The Gabba.

Brisbane come into the game sitting in second place, while North sits in fifth place with five wins from seven games. 

“It’s such an important game in regards to our season and we know our best football is still ahead of us,” Crocker said.

“We’re really confident in the experience and maturity of the group … they’re more than equipped to come together like we’re on a mission. 

“I think it’s a really good time to get away together.”

With last week’s game in the balance at the end of the third quarter, Emma Kearney stepped up to kick a game-changing goal from the forward pocket after the siren.

Crocker says it wasn’t just Kearney’s goal that personified the spirit of the team, but also Mia King’s efforts in the lead-up. 

“Mia King backed into the contest with absolute fearlessness … that typified what we always talk about in regards to Shinboner moments,” he said.

“The girls recognised that and got around her, then 'Kearns' was able to have the composure to go back, take responsibility and nail the goal.

“It was an enormous moment in the context of the game and the season for us.”