Having come within a whisker of knocking off league-leading Brisbane in Round 10, North Melbourne travels across town to the MCG this weekend in Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Standing between the Roos and a much-needed victory is a Richmond side which will be hunting back-to-back wins.
Round 10, Richmond v North Melbourne
Where: MCG, VIC
When: Sunday, May 18 at 1.10pm AEST
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports
The opposition
A goal-saving tackle inside the final minute saw Richmond secure a razor-thin win over West Coast last weekend. It was the side's third win in a season that has seen some lop-sided losses, but also upset wins against Carlton and the high-flying Gold Coast.
Under second-year coach Adem Yze, the Tigers are yet to find consistency but have already shown their best is good enough to match it with any team.
Ruck Toby Nankervis is among the battle-hardened stars who have been lynchpins for Yze, and all eyes will be on his battle with North Melbourne star Tristan Xerri at the stoppages.
At the other end of the experience scale, towering teenager Thomas Sims made his AFL debut against the Eagles, and looked immediately at home, kicking a goal in the two-point win.
What the coach has said
North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "They've been playing some pretty good footy, including the victory last week. They're attacking pretty well and they've got a beautiful blend of the youth they've drafted over the last 12 to 18 months, and some really experienced premiership players in their side. If we play at our best, we'll give ourselves a really strong chance to win, but ... it's going to be a real dogfight."
Running hot
Charlie Comben has flourished in his fresh role as an intercept defender this season, and he was among the Kangaroos' best in Round 9's heart-stopping draw against the Lions.
Comben racked up a game-high 12 possessions and was pivotal in the frenetic closing minutes.
On SEN radio during the week, he revealed the conversations he shared with coach Alastair Clarkson that led to the positional change that has transformed his career.
