The likes of Ian Callinan, Jared Petrenko and Matthew Wright have been vital in an Adelaide forward-line that's scored more than 110-points in four of its last five matches.
Previously this season, North has been stung by players who've flown under the radar. Aaron Cornelius (four goals), Tory Dickson (four goals), Josh Hill (four goals) and Andrejs Everitt (three goals) are just some that have all proved problematic in different matches.
In his second season, 30-year old Crow Callinan has kicked 17 goals from his 10 games as a small-forward. His coach Brenton Sanderson full of praise for his efforts thus far.
"He's been terrific for us almost every week. He chips in with his two or three goals, always hands one or two off; he just understands and he's got so much experience, not at AFL level but so much footy experience. He just knows how the game should be played and where players should run," Sanderson said.
"(Kurt) Tippett and (Andrew) Walker absorb players in the contest and quite often it's Callinan's man that jumps up to go third man up and provide a spoil. Callinan's just sitting there front and centre and he's getting the rewards for it."
With Scott McMahon regarded as a North defender with great 'footy smarts', he could be a likely option to match up on Callinan, particularly after slipping back into the line-up with ease last week against Gold Coast.
Alongside Callinan is a forward with a defensive mindset, Petrenko. Often tasked with the responsibility of neutralising the opposition's most dangerous rebounding defender, Petrenko has also demonstrated his versatility with more than a goal a game.
Shaun Atley looks a likely matchup for Petrenko. The North youngster is coming off one of his best games for the season last weekend and offers run and carry off half-back, though Petrenko's attacking qualities would mean he'll need to be more accountable defensively.
Another underrated forward Wright, is a success story from the rookie list. Solidifying his spot in 2012 after a breakout season last year, Wright has played every game since Round 4 and averaged 17.9 disposals, 4.6 tackles and more than a goal in his eight matches.
A slightly higher possession count than the aforementioned Adelaide players indicates Wright tends to play further from goal at times. With that in mind, it would have to be one of North's half-backs who is tasked with picking him up. If Petrenko is matched up on Atley, it could leave Jamie Macmillan as the best option.
Having said that, these three are only the start of the challenge that lies ahead for North. Adelaide's Scott Thompson, Nathan Van Berlo, Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane are another matter all waiting in the middle.
By the numbers
Ian Callinan: 15.5 disposals, 2.2 tackles, 1.7 goals
Jared Petrenko: 12.1 disposals, 4 tackles, 1.1 goals
Matthew Wright: 17.9 disposals, 4.6 tackles, 1.1 goals
North Melbourne v Adelaide Crows
Sunday June 24, 2012 - 4.40pm
Etihad Stadium
Gates open at 3pm.
