On the surface North looks to have received a relatively favourable fixture, but Jack Ziebell has warned against any complacency.

After finishing 15th in 2017, the Roos avoid facing any finalists until Round 6 but the club captain says, “there are no easy games”.

“Last season’s teams are nothing like next year’s teams,” Ziebell said.

“Everyone changes and everyone improves. In the AFL, if you’re just that little bit off, even the best teams can come unstuck and we saw that on numerous occasions throughout the season just gone.

“So we don’t get caught up in what teams we play twice, or where we play them, it’s more about focusing on the challenges that are in front of us at the time, trying to get the result and securing the four points.

“As boring as that sounds and as much as people don’t want to hear that, that’s the mentality we have to have. You can’t afford to get ahead of yourself and must make sure you make the most of every opportunity.”

North will have the chance to face the best in the first half of the year when the Tigers come to Etihad Stadium in Round 8.

“Playing against the big clubs you always get big crowds,” Ziebell said.

“It’s good to play Richmond. They’re the reigning premiers so it will be a great to test ourselves against them.”

As in previous seasons, North will look to take the upper hand in Hobart, when it plays at its home away from home.

“We love going to Blundstone Arena,” Ziebell stated.

“Obviously it’s a bit of a fortress and we expect it to be a packed house against the Blues in Round 4.

“We know our fans will come out and get behind us in a big game on a Saturday night under lights.”

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