Only a win and percentage separates North Melbourne from a finals place.
Sitting just outside the top eight and with the business end of the season fast approaching, the remaining fixtures will prove decisive for the emerging Roos.
North Media takes a look at the run home.
Winning on the road
North’s overall record away from home has been promising with three wins from five efforts.
A continuation of this form will be crucial in the run home, with six more away games before the end of the season.
Previous displays on the road against Port Melbourne, Coburg and Sandringham have shown just how effective the side can be when playing an attacking brand.
The team also has one more curtain-raiser to look forward to, playing Footscray at Etihad Stadium this weekend; the first of two meetings in the second half of the season.
Ironically, the final game of the season will come against Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval. Despite the game being labelled as an ‘away’ match, the surroundings will be familiar. The revamped ground has been North’s temporary home.
Best is yet to come
In North’s nine remaining games, five of those teams are holding spots inside the top eight.
As seen in previous weeks, any side can be beaten on any given weekend, underlining the importance of staying consistent irrespective of ladder position.
Having already faced several top four sides, including then ladder leaders Box Hill, Geelong, and reigning premiers Port Melbourne, it can be argued the most difficult stretch of the season has passed.
Although meetings with the competition leading Richmond and Casey in consecutive weeks are on the horizon, looming matchups against bottom six sides in Williamstown, Frankston, Coburg and Sandringham should provide opportunities for North to strengthen its healthy position.
An early season defeat to Frankston will serve as a timely reminder that there is no room for complacency.
Time to make amends
Repeat fixtures against Richmond and Frankston allows North to make amends for a pair of disappointing performances.
The Roos suffered their first loss against Frankston, going down by 13 points in a thriller.
A four-goal haul from Nick Larkey and co-captain Michael Close were a highlight.
However, few positives were taken from an 88-point loss to Richmond at Etihad.
The Round 15 meeting against the Tigers provides a platform for the AFL-listed players to get redemption against the form team of the competition.
Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Footscray at Etihad Stadium, with the first bounce at 3.20pm.
