North Melbourne will travel to Tasmania for the first time this season to face reigning premiers Brisbane in the final match of Round 9.

The Roos came within a kick of knocking off Essendon last week and will be eager to build on that performance when they face the Lions.

Round 9, North Melbourne v Brisbane
Where: Ninja Stadium, TAS
When: Sunday, May 11 at 4.40pm AEST 
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

With just a solitary blemish on their record, the 7-1 Lions enter Round 9 top of the table.

Chris Fagan's group saw off the Suns in last week's QClash, defeating their state rivals by 17 points in a wet-weather affair at the Gabba.

Charlie Cameron returned to form with three goals from 13 disposals, while young midfielder Will Ashcroft was the pick of the bunch with a game-high 34 possessions.

Dangerous forwards Kai Lohmann (shoulder) and Logan Morris (calf) are expected to be available for selection, but the Lions will be without veteran Sam Day after he suffered a hamstring injury against Gold Coast.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "The depth of their midfield is why they're a high, high quality side. So we'll be trying to stop some of their weapons through there without a doubt, but we need to go and play the game ourselves, too. Coaches say it every week, but the midfield battle's going to be crucial. If we can compete really, really strongly in that area, then we give ourselves some sort of chance."

Running hot

Tristan Xerri was North Melbourne's best afield in the defeat to the Bombers, taking control in the ruck against former teammate Todd Goldstein.

The star tall earned a team-high eight coaches votes from North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson and Essendon coach Brad Scott, following his 39-hitout, 25-disposal and 10-clearance performance on the prime time stage.

The Lions top the competition for total clearances per game with an average of 43.9, so the Roos will need their No.38 to be at his best again to help contain the influence of a powerful Brisbane midfield unit.