Despite going into 2017 with the second-youngest list in the league, Mitch Hibberd says age will be no barrier for North.

The Roos’ two JLT wins have been made sweeter by the performance of the club’s emerging youngsters, making for an exciting battle for spots leading into round one.

“There are a lot more young guys around the club, so it does feel completely different to last year,” Hibberd told The Mercury.

“Age isn’t an excuse and we can’t put any expectations on what we can do this year.

“Everyone has put it on each other to step up, so everyone is pushing pretty hard and training hard.

“Everyone knows there are opportunities there and it has made for a pretty competitive pre-season.”

On an individual level, Hibberd’s 25 disposals against Hawthorn on Sunday indicated he’s feeling more comfortable in his second season at Arden Street.

After a tough year due to injuries in 2016, the midfielder has enjoyed a full pre-season and is learning plenty about the North setup.

“I just feel like I can play footy a bit more as the structure just happens as opposed to thinking about it so much. You can concentrate on playing footy and it comes a bit more natural.” Hibberd added.

“Probably just knowing the game plan, knowing the structures and being a lot more confident with all that sort of thing.”