Todd Goldstein says North can take plenty of positives from its recent interstate finals’ performances and is expecting another huge challenge next Saturday night.

The Roos defeated Sydney in a cut-throat semi-final last year, before taking it right up to the Eagles in a Preliminary Final the following week.

“We’ve shown over the last couple of years that our footy stacks up in finals and we can win finals and big games interstate,” Goldstein said.

“We can definitely take some confidence from those games interstate, but it’s a new year and we haven’t had the greatest record over in Adelaide.”

History is against North. The Roos have played at Adelaide Oval three times since 2014, for three losses; a 33-point defeat in Round 14 the latest outing between the sides.

They haven’t tasted success against the Crows in Adelaide since way back in 2003.

But finals are a whole new ball game.

“We have to go over there and play our way, and try and get some momentum and get the win,” Goldstein said.

Sam Jacobs has been one of Goldstein’s toughest opponents in recent years, with the duel set to play a key part in the result.

“Me and Sam have played against each other a number of times and I think we both enjoy playing against each other,” Goldstein said.

“We’ve probably both taken the points in different games, so I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s always fun playing against him and we get on quite well, but for those two hours it’ll be good to come out and try and get some momentum.”

Goldstein said North’s players would look to embrace the break following Round 23.

“It’s definitely weird. We’re definitely not used to it and no one knows what effects it’s going to have on the finals,” he said.

“I think it’s a good opportunity for us. We’ve got a few boys that are trying to get back from injury, so it’ll give them a couple of weeks to get better and it gives all of us a chance to mentally and physically freshen up.

“We’ll try and make the most of it and look forward to a weekend off, then attack the finals.”

While finishing eighth means every game is effectively an elimination final, Goldstein said North was excited for the challenge.

“I think everyone’s feeling alright. It’s a great time of year; the weather’s starting to get a bit better,” he added.

“We’ve been trying to qualify for finals and we’ve done that, now it’s a new season.

“Everyone’s pretty buoyed by the opportunity we have and looking forward to it.”