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Roos seek Hobart edge against GWS

Anna HarringtonAAP
North Melbourne are looking to Ben Cunnington and on-ball mates for a midfield edge against GWS.
Camera IconNorth Melbourne are looking to Ben Cunnington and on-ball mates for a midfield edge against GWS. Credit: AAP

North Melbourne will draw on recent strong form in Hobart when they attempt to pounce on GWS to secure just their second win of the AFL season.

The Kangaroos have traditionally performed strongly at Blundstone Arena and took it right up to ladder-leaders Melbourne for three quarters at the venue in round seven.

"We love playing down at Blundstone," coach David Noble said.

"We showed that when we went down there last time we played the Dees."

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The Kangaroos fly into Hobart on game day, travel directly to the ground and then fly out post-match, while they are under restrictions in the days leading up to Sunday's game.

Noble was wary of GWS' midfield strength and said his own on-ball division - led by Ben Cunnington - needed to make their mark.

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"They're a tough opponent - their last probably six weeks, they've been right up there in their manner and how (Leon Cameron's) got them playing," Noble said.

"So we're certainly aware of how they play, the strengths that they bring to their game and we've got to...try to deny some of those and bring our own strengths and get our ball movement (going).

"Last time we were down in Tassie, our midfield stood up really well so that'll be a key battle for the ground and then our ability to put some scoreboard pressure on is always helpful."

Both teams are coming off the bye round and will welcome reinforcements.

Stand-in skipper Toby Greene will return from a fractured shoulder for the Giants, while they have also recalled Matt de Boer, Adam Kennedy and Jake Stein.

The Kangaroos welcome back veteran defender Robbie Tarrant for his first game of the season, with Tristan Xerri and Jaidyn Stephenson also added to the side that lost to St Kilda in round 11.

GWS are two wins outside the top eight with a game in hand but Cameron played down any finals aspirations.

"It's two young teams going toe-to-toe on Sunday," Cameron said.

"It's going to be a fantastic battle and we need to make sure we clearly focus on that.

"They're a side that are always hard to play against in Tassie so it's going to be a great match."

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