North Melbourne returned to the winner’s list last Friday night, building positive momentum into Saturday night’s iconic occasion for champion midfielder Brent Harvey, who will eclipse the all-time games record held by Hawthorn Legend Michael Tuck.

After five consecutive losses, the Kangaroos returned to form at Etihad Stadium in Round 18, bursting out of the blocks against Collingwood kicking six of the first seven goals. From there, the Magpies couldn’t atone for their slow start, with Lindsay Thomas booting five goals and Daniel Wells producing a dominant display.

Having won their opening nine games and ten of their first 11, North appeared destined for a top-four finish at the halfway mark. But five losses in the middle part of the season against high quality opposition has dented their premiership aspirations.

Admittedly, five of their six losses have come against sides inside the top-eight: Sydney (26-points), Geelong (31-points), Hawthorn (nine-points), Adelaide (33-points) and West Coast (32-points). But they will face them in September, if they qualify.

After breaking the 100-point barrier in each of their first five games, and twice between then and Round 11, the Kangaroos have only done it once since then – last week (124-points) – as injuries and scoring have hit them hard.

Key forward Jarrad Waite burst out of the blocks, racing to 22 goals after six rounds to firm as an All Australian contender at the quarter point of the season. But in the four games he has played since Round 10, the former Blue hasn’t kicked a goal as he has been hampered by a persistent hip complaint. He didn’t play last Friday night but will resume his season this weekend.

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And while maligned key forward Drew Petrie hasn’t had the sort of impact he has had previously, tall key forward Ben Brown has blossomed in 2016. The 200cm, 101kg beast has proven to be a difficult match-up for opponents this season with his reach on the lead and in the air almost impossible to stop. Brown leads the Roos goal kicking on 32.14, with his game rising this season, in terms of inside 50s (1.7 to 2.8), marks (4.5 to 5.4) and contested marks (1.1 to 2.3).

Much has been written and spoken about Todd Goldstein’s form in the last two months. While hindered by a knee issue, the All Australian is still one of the premier ruckmen in the competition. Since missing the win over Richmond at Blundstone Arena in Round 11, Goldstein’s effectiveness around the ground has been questioned, but his work in the ruck can’t be. In that period he has averaged 39.2 hitouts, including a haul of 65 against West Coast three weeks ago. Write him off at your own peril.

Despite the big man’s dominance, North Melbourne does not win a mountain of ball around the contest. They are ranked 15th for average disposals (357.6) and 10th for disposals differential (-3.2), 8th for contested ball (+2.1) and 11th for uncontested possessions differential (-5.8).

Only two players at Arden Street average more than 23 disposals per game, and one of those is last week’s Rising Star nominee, Ryan Clarke, who has played three games. He was rewarded for his performance against Collingwood after acquiring 27 touches, four inside 50s and three goal assists.

Only Nick Dal Santo (23.9 possessions), Clarke (23.3), Wells (22.8), Jack Ziebell (22.8), Sam Gibson (22.2), Ben Cunnington (21.4) and milestone man Harvey (20.5) average more than 20 touches per game.

Injury plagued North Melbourne key defender Robbie Tarrant is one of the most improved backmen in the AFL this season and could be in line for his first All Australian guernsey, such has been the quality of his football thus far in 2016. Along with Scott Thompson and the evergreen Michael Firrito, North have a strong contingent down back.

Star:

After surviving a late scare in the dying minutes before Friday night’s crucial win over Collingwood, Daniel Wells proved, yet again, how important he is for North Melbourne. In a midfield that has plenty of grunt, but can be labelled as one-paced, Wells is their game breaker. When he plays well, North plays well. Despite undergoing a dramatic last minute fitness tests related to a breathing issue, Wells shot out like a cannon, collecting 11 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency, three inside 50s, two clearances and two score assists. The classy midfielder has played 13 games in 2016, with North winning nine of them.

Injury watch:

North Melbourne is still without Shaun Higgins, Sam Wright, Mason Wood and Ben Jacobs, but will welcome back Jarrad Waite from a hip complaint after he missed last Friday night’s clash against Collingwood. Drew Petrie is in some doubt, despite returning to form at Etihad Stadium, kicking two goals and laying seven tackles in a strong performance.