North Melbourne will conclude its season in front of home fans at Marvel Stadium as it takes on the Gold Coast Suns in Round 23.

Out to end their run of four-straight losses, the Kangaroos will look to build on the stoppage dominance and overall competitiveness they displayed a week ago.

Having fallen away in the fourth quarter against Adelaide, motivation will be high for Leigh Adams' side to finish the year off with a complete performance.

On the Suns' end, they've suffered two disappointing results back-to-back and will be eager to finish their campaign on a bright note by equalling their greatest number of wins in a season (10).

Here are four narratives to watch out for as North look to outshine the Suns in Member Appreciation Round.

00:54

Second chance at sinking the Suns

It was a promising start last time out against the Suns with a four goal to one first term in the sticky Darwin heat.

The Roos held a 17-point lead heading into the second term, but it was Gold Coast who took control as they slammed on seven goals to nothing for the quarter.

Having been subbed out early in the clash due to concussion in Round 12, four quarters with Ben McKay at full-back this time around will make it that little bit harder for the Suns to break through.

Stuart Dew's side were also much better in the trenches, winning 24 more contested possessions which led to a heavily one-sided inside 50 count of 81-36.

Despite the 62-point defeat, a goal of the season contender emerged during the afternoon courtesy of Jason Horne-Francis.

00:47

Midway through the third term, the young gun created magic as he danced around defenders to eventually slot a right foot snap from close range after bobbling a handball from Todd Goldstein.

Saturday will serve as another opportunity for North's developing squad to measure how far they've come over the course of the season.

Get your Goat on

Saturday will mark the debut of lifelong Roos fan and Shinboner No.1046, Josh Goater.

Goater, taken from the Calder Cannons with the 22nd pick of the 2021 national draft, has been biding his time in the VFL throughout 2022.

Averaging 15.6 disposals and 4.3 marks in the reserves, the young half-back/wingman will become the final player of North's most recent national draft class to make their debut.

Goater will complement the likes of Bailey Scott and Aaron Hall with his ability to get dangerous with ball in hand, while the 19-year-old also has the capacity to pick off opposition attacks with his intercepting expertise.

With North adopting a more free-flowing style of football under the coaching of Leigh Adams, expect Goater to further develop as a damaging player.

02:52

Finishing strong

Sitting at the bottom of the ladder in never a good feeling.

It may come with the caveat of receiving the No.1 draft pick come seasons end, but a final round win after a frustrating and trying campaign would certainly be a welcome feeling for all those involved with the club.

Heading into the offseason after avoiding a second-straight wooden spoon would certainly be uplifting too, but it is out of North Melbourne's hands to a certain extent.

Should the Roos conquer the Suns on Saturday afternoon, they would need to rely on Geelong to defeat West Coast in the round's following match in order to move up to 17th.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Watch the Kangaroos host the Suns in the final round of the home and away season!

Buy now!

While the likelihood of a Cats victory is high, Gold Coast showed the Roos first-hand in Round 12 how formidable they can be.

In what will be Ben Cunnington's return to Marvel Stadium and potentially Leigh Adams' final game as senior coach, there's even more incentive to strive for the win.

Luke vs. Touk

Luke Davies-Uniacke's breakout season has been a sight to behold for North fans.

Without Cunnington in the midfield for much of the year, the former top four draft pick has taken on a greater responsibility around the ground alongside co-captain Jy Simpkin.

It's going to be a mouth-watering clash when 'LDU' lines up next to another star of the competition in Touk Miller.

The Suns' captain has enjoyed another stellar year on the Gold Coast, leading his team to one of their best seasons since entering the league in 2011, and is expected to poll strongly in the Brownlow Medal count.

Miller averages 28.6 disposals, 7.9 clearances and six tackles per game, and was even more damaging against the Roos earlier this season with 32 touches and 13 clearances.

Both players have match-winning capabilities, so an enticing battle awaits.

WE BOUND WITH YOU - OUR MEMBERS AND FANS

Bound with us and become a Roos member in 2024

JOIN US NOW