The progress of North Melbourne over the course of the season is being noticed. It’s not just within the four walls of Arden Street that David Noble’s exceptional work is being appreciated.

Both sides enter the clash in good form, with Carlton winning three of its last five games, while North has won two of its last five, including a miraculous win against West Coast in Perth.

Having played 33 games for North across his playing career, Carlton coach David Teague is well aware of the threat his former club presents his Carlton side this weekend.

“They’re (the Kangaroos) in good form and we need to make sure to continue to focus on what we can control and continue to grow … it’s going to be a challenge for us,” Teague told Carlton Media.

“I think David Noble’s done a great job. Obviously, they were hit by injuries at the start of the year and they’ve started to get some more experienced players back.

“You see the growth of the younger guys and the way they’re playing.

“I’m not going to lie, being a former Shinboner I keep an eye on them and want them to do well, but not this week.”

The impending battle of the McKay’s is a major storyline heading into the clash, with twins Harry and Ben set to face off for the first time in their AFL careers.

With Harry leading the Coleman Medal race and Ben establishing himself as North’s primary key defender, it seems inevitable they’ll match up on each other at some stage of the contest.

“Harry is such a professional player. He’ll go out there regardless of who the opponent is … and play his role for the team,” Teague said.

“It’s a great story from an external point-of-view, but for Harry [Ben] will be an opposition player that he wants to beat."