Sam Wright says some "stern words" from Brad Scott on Monday will keep the players on their toes throughout the second half of the year.

While the North coach will spend another week away from the coaches' box as he recovers from back surgery, he didn’t mince his words pre-training, according to the defender.

"There were a few stern words before our first session back about not dropping off, and we trained really well," Wright told NMFC.com.au on Tuesday.

Scott, who is expected to resume game day duties next week against Geelong, addressed the entire playing group in the middle of the oval.

Wright said Scott challenged each of his players with just 10 games remaining in the home and away season.

"He was pretty strong with what he had to say about not getting complacent," he said.

"He talked about keeping our standards high and holding each other accountable."

Wright said there had been a "bigger emphasis" on lifting training standards, reinforcing Scott's message to the group after his month-long absence from the club.

"It's pretty confronting on the track with boys pulling each other up for the little things, and we think it's the little things that can take us to the next level," he said.

"It's the way a football club should be … it doesn't matter who you are – if you're Brent Harvey, who has played close to 400 games, or a first-year kid like Trent Dumont – if you do the wrong thing, anyone can pull anyone up."

Wright said North would be better prepared to tackle the second half of the season compared to previous years, and was confident the side would maintain its winning momentum after its mid-season break.

"There's always a risk (of dropping off after the bye) but I think we're better prepared for it this year than any other year," he said.

"We need to take that next step and that comes from our training and the way we prepare."

The 24-year-old has been a reliable performer in the Roos' back six in the first half of the season, averaging 20 touches per game and taking part in every match since round 16 last year.

In that time, he has showcased his capacity to turn defence into attack and use his pinpoint passing skills to set up from defensive 50.

Wright said his ability to build on last year's form was in part due to his uninterrupted pre-season training program.

"I gained a lot of confidence from last year. When I came back into the side in round 16, it was the most consistent footy I've played," he said.

"That set the platform for a good pre-season which I haven’t had in a lot time. The body's the best it's felt.

"From the last half of last year to this year, it's been the most consistent I've been."

The 96-gamer labelled this weekend's encounter against the Suns "a danger game" and said the Roos could not afford to underestimate their opponent despite their tumultuous season both on and off the field.

"They haven't had the greatest year but they're very capable with the talent they have and it's their home ground, so it'll be a pretty hostile environment," he said.

The Suns will be buoyed by the much-anticipated return of their skipper Gary Ablett, who has declared himself a certain starter for the game against the Roos.

The dual Brownlow medallist, who has not played since round two, has performed well against North since joining the AFL's expansion club, polling 10 Brownlow votes.

"There's been a bit of media around Ablett coming back, whether he plays in the midfield or up forward we'll have a plan in place for him," Wright said.

"You can't underestimate them with the amount of talent they have, especially with Ablett back."

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