“We're a much more resilient, hardened group now than in 2012.”

Those were the words of Brad Scott during a media conference on Monday, as North Melbourne prepares to play its first final since a thrashing at the hands of West Coast two years ago.

There is no question that the Kangaroos have grown up significantly since a forgettable day in Perth back in 2012. Over the course of the last two seasons, the players have learned to deal with heartbreaking defeats and come out stronger for the experience.

The personnel will also be vastly different. Matt Campbell is gone (delisted), Robbie Tarrant is injured and Brent Harvey suspended, while Liam Anthony, Scott McMahon and Kieran Harper face uphill battles for selection given the form of their team-mates.

Add to that Daniel Wells and Nathan Grima were recovering from soft-tissue injuries and not at 100 per cent, and the change is significant.

But perhaps most importantly, a host of players are now more experienced and in control of their games.

Sam Gibson played just his 13th game against West Coast. In the two years following, he hasn’t missed a single match, becoming a member of the side’s leadership group. Approaching game number 58 on Saturday night, his outside running will be critical on the wider expanses of the MCG.

Shaun Atley was a 19-year-old playing just his 39th game. He’s approaching the Elimination Final against Essendon in top form, providing plenty of run and carry off half-back.

If selected, Luke McDonald’s presence also a different element to the Kangaroos’ 22. In his most recent outing, he successfully tagged Adelaide’s Rory Sloane out of the game.

Even though Jack Ziebell (30 disposals) and Ben Cunnington (29 disposals) were two of North’s best against West Coast in 2012, their respective games have only improved since then. Now possessing the ability to go forward and damage the opposition on the scoreboard, they makes the Kangaroos a more threatening, well-rounded side with possession.

On just about every line, North can confidently say it’s a better side than 2012. Going into the club’s most anticipated match in many, many years, it’s a strong starting point.