“The best week on the track for a very long time” is how Luke McDonald describes North’s lead-up to the clash against Adelaide.

Every available player on the Roos’ list has taken part in training this week, with spirits high ahead of Saturday night’s Elimination Final.

“This is why we play footy. This is why we do all the pre-season and all the stuff in our off-season, for weekends like this,” McDonald said.

“It’s been the best week on the track for a very long time. We are all excited, we’re all pumped.”

McDonald made his return from a hamstring injury in Round 23 against the Giants, and admits the post-season bye came at the perfect time.

After a week’s rest, he’s ready to take on the Crows.

“I just can’t wait to get out there,” McDonald said.

“I was pretty sore after my first couple of games, so it’s been good to come back and play against the Giants and get a run under my belt.

“It’s going to be hot and I’ll be ready for it.”

Adelaide’s forwards are going to provide a huge challenge once again; the likes of Eddie Betts (66 goals), Josh Jenkins (60), Taylor Walker (43) and Tom Lynch (36) all at the top of their game.

“They’ve got such a potent forward line that we’re really looking forward to matching up against,” McDonald said.

“We think we match up pretty well on them and we’ve got guys in super form, like Robbie Tarrant, so it’s really exciting. We just can’t wait to get over there and play such a quality team.”

McDonald kept Lynch quiet in the opening round, before missing the last clash between the sides through injury.

Having sat out two of the Roos’ finals last year, the number 21 is keen to impress.

“I’m really pumped to get out there. When you miss those finals, that’s when you really know what it’s all about and it drives you,” he added.

“It’s driven me all this year. Especially when I got injured I just wanted to get back for September.”