The Kangaroos will be hoping to put last week's disappointing result in Darwin behind them as they return home to Marvel Stadium to take on a refreshed GWS side.

The Giants come into the clash fresh off the bye. While their list might be feeling recharged and refreshed, history is not on the away team's side this week.

Not only have the Giants won just three of their past 11 fixtures against the Kangaroos, they've not beaten a Victorian side after the bye in six attempts.

There are a number of questions to be answered and stories to be told this weekend, but here are four of the most pressing.

Can last week's strong start be replicated?

For much of this season the opposition has managed to get the jump on the Kangaroos in the first quarter. Often a sluggish start has left North behind the eight-ball heading into the latter stages of the game.

Last week's performance against Gold Coast was almost the inverse of what's become habit for this young side. A fast, competitive and heavily contested opening stanza saw the Kangaroos head into the first break with a 17-point lead.

The Suns tightened the screws on the Kangaroos as the game went on and took control of the contest in the second term, but that quick start should provide North with an element of hope and belief.

Hopefully the Roos can combine the strong, albeit inconsistent, efforts from select stages of recent games to put in a strong four-quarter performance.

Is Todd Goldstein stopping Father Time?

While time comes for every player, the ability for Todd Goldstein to not just continue playing at AFL-level, but to keep improving, is a testament to his hard work and ability.

Goldstein turns 34 in less than a month's time. He's the last man standing of the six players North recruited in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft. He's among the last handful of that draft class remaining in the League, he's the only player on North's list born in the 1980s, and he's set to play his 100th consecutive senior game this weekend.

After breaking the all-time AFL record for hitouts last year, Goldstein has spent much of his 2022 season playing second-fiddle in the ruck to the emerging Tristan Xerri, however his ability in the forward line has been a welcome addition to the club's marking capability. His Mark of the Year nomination from a few weeks ago is testament to that.

Goldstein could celebrate the occasion by going head to head with one of his former ruck protegees at Arden Street, Braydon Preuss, should he earn selection in the Giants' side.

A looming role change for Nick Larkey?

Since becoming North Melbourne's number one option in the forward 50, Nick Larkey has spent the majority of his time at the full-forward position. However due to the continued absence of Cam Zurhaar David Noble elected to move the magnets last week and try Larkey in a different role.

Playing higher up the ground at centre half-forward, Larkey impressed with his ability to move out of the forward 50 and link play. He finished with 14 disposals, more than any game this season excluding his six-goal, three-behind haul against West Coast in Round 2.

His increased time away from goal didn't impact his ability to hit the scoreboard as he still kicked a goal, and his gun-barrel straight set shot kicking translates well to accurate field kicking.

Callum Coleman-Jones could come into the side to play as a genuine key forward which could change Larkey's role again, or the likes of Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri could play a more prominent role inside 50. Just because Larkey functioned well in a new role doesn't mean the structure is going to stay the same.

Regardless of his role this weekend though, Larkey's ability to play higher up the ground is a good weapon for David Noble to have in his arsenal.

Are the troops returning for both teams?

Both North Melbourne and GWS are set to be bolstered by the returns of experienced players this week. The Kangaroos could welcome back Aaron Hall while GWS' Lachie Whitfield, Nick Haynes and Callan Ward are all fighting to prove their fitness.

Should Hall return for the Kangaroos it will be his 150th career appearance. He hasn't played since the suffering a hamstring injury during the Good Friday SuperClash in Round 5.

Former No.1 draft pick Whitfield and All-Australian Haynes both missed the Round 10 clash with the Eagles due an ankle injury and illness respectively, while Ward has been recovering from concussion.

Much like Hall, Ward looks set to reach a major milestone should he win selection - he'll be the first player to play 200 senior games for GWS.