North Melbourne defender Charlie Comben says the club’s first win of the season last Saturday against West Coast in Perth has buoyed the Roos with confidence.
The Kangaroos were 0-11 before that clash but were able to get over the line in a 65-74 result as the Eagles pushed late to fight back in front of their home crowd.
The Roos kicked the last two goals of the game to claim victory and Comben believes the win proves to them that they’re doing the right things at training and that they are on the path of improvement.
“It was pure elation after the game. It was also a sense of relief,” Comben told SEN Breakfast.
“It feels like we really just needed a win to grow a bit of confidence in the group and what we’re actually striving towards.
“We put so much effort and work on the track and off the track to improve and really improve our game style to where we’re competitive and in games every week.
“So, to finally get one on the board, it is brilliant.”
With some wind in their sales, North Melbourne next face reigning premiers Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Although the Roos have only beaten the Magpies once since 2016, they’ve only lost by 18, 7 and 35 points in their last three results against Collingwood.
As a result, Comben labelled sixth-placed Collingwood ‘very gettable’ for North as they continue battling with injuries with all of Jordan De Goey, Scott Pendlebury, Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliott and Dan McStay sidelined among others.
“I think it’s going to carry a lot of confidence into this week,” Comben said.
“We traditionally play quite well against Collingwood in the last three years.
“They’ve got a few injuries and whatnot, so I feel like they’re really, really gettable for us this week.
“All the boys will go into the game really genuinely believing we can win, which I think will be huge for how we’re going to play on the weekend.”
Sunday’s clash at Marvel Stadium begins at 1:00pm (AEST).