Despite a big loss to the Eagles last week, Jack Ziebell says the Bulldogs will provide a huge challenge this weekend.

Before Sunday’s 77-point loss, Luke Beveridge’s team had won four games in a row, including victories over Port Adelaide and Collingwood.

“They’ve been flying this year (the Bulldogs) since their new coach has come on board,” Ziebell said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

“Obviously their rebound from half-back is something we really need to look at this week, because they have really sliced and diced some teams this year. Hopefully that won’t be us on the weekend.”

Going into a likely finals campaign, Ziebell stressed the importance of the final fortnight of the home and away season.

“I think we’re a mature group now and have that understanding of where we sit and what this game on the weekend actually means to us, because it’s big and the next two games essentially are eight point games for us,” he said.

With seven wins in a row, North has hit form at the right time of year.

Ziebell said the Roos’ improvement in the back half has been vital.

“Our defence this year wasn’t quite as good in the first half compared to the second half of the year and I think the stats will back that up.

“But the second half of the year we’ve really tightened that up after the Gold Coast game (Round 14) and it’s been really positive for us.”

Ziebell reiterated his frustration at missing the win over the Dockers due to suspension, but said he never doubted his teammates.

“I had full confidence in the boys (to come back),” he added.

“There was no panic, no alarms being set off. We just guided the momentum back through our contested footy and ran over the top of them.”