With competition for spots at an all-time high, particularly in attack, Ben Brown understands the need to make himself indispensable.

RELATED: Ben Brown player profile

The second-year player has discussed how his ability to go into the ruck could be pivotal to holding down a regular senior spot.

“I’ve made a real focus on my ruck work,” Brown told RSN Racing and Sport.

PRESS PLAY above to listen to the interview.

“It’s a big part of my game and it’s something that’s going to be important for me if I want to have my spot in the team.”

At 200cm, Brown’s height means he’s not out of place while providing Todd Goldstein a spell up forward.

The Tasmanian continues to build his strength in a bid to fully round out his game.

“I’ve been working really hard in the gym with our weights coach and also out on the track with big Alex Ishchenko (ruck coach),” Brown explained.

“It’s something I need to work on and get better at, and that might tell whether I get a spot in the side at the end of the day.”

Brown was also quizzed about the latest hot topic, the status of the roof at Etihad Stadium.

RELATED: Have your say on whether the roof should be open or closed

While admitting he ‘didn’t mind it’ on the weekend, he joined a chorus of support for it to be permanently shut.

“I do like the roof closed, it adds some atmosphere to the game,” Brown said.

“Coming from Tassie and VFL footy, it’s fun for me as a player to get out and play under a roof.

“I suppose like Scotty said, innovation is great and they should try things but roof closed is the preference, for our club anyway.”

The game at Etihad rounded out North’s pre-season; two solid performances against Hawthorn and Richmond leaves the team in a good position before the clash against Adelaide in a fortnight.

“We’re feeling really good coming into round one and that’s exactly what Brad’s wanted to get out (of the pre-season,” Brown said.

“Everyone’s played a good amount of game-time so everything seems to be falling into place.”