It’s a common misconception that North Melbourne is only suited to the confines of Etihad Stadium, with recent history showing that the wide expanses of the MCG are just as kind to the Roos.

North has rarely had the luxury of playing on the MCG’s hallowed turf, running out on the MCG just 14 times in home and away matches since the start of 2010, in addition to three finals.

Despite the large breaks between MCG fixtures, the Roos have won 10 of their past 16 matches at the ground, including Elimination Final victories over Essendon and Richmond, as well as a Semi Final win over the Cats in recent years.

In those games, North has an average winning margin of 16.5, which has included five wins of two goals or less.

Saturday’s clash with Collingwood will be the second and final time the Roos will run out on the MCG this season, with the first clash one to forget, falling to Melbourne by 37 points.

In that game, Ben Cunnington collected 25 disposals to go along with two goals, while Ben Brown was dominant in-front of goal, kicking four majors.

A performance like that from the Coleman Medal leader shouldn’t come as a surprise given the wide expanses of the ‘G caters beautifully for North’s leading forwards.

Against the Magies, the all-time record is a nail-biter, with the head-to-head ledger sitting at 14 apiece with one draw.

A return to the ‘home of football’ could be a welcome one for North on Saturday.