While last year's wooden spooners aren't expected to rise up the ladder in 2022, the Kangaroos do have a promising collective of youngsters on their roster.
And if North Melbourne are to build upon their form found across the second half of last season, then a real rise, as well as a boost in the wins and losses column, should emere sooner rather than later.
Apart from Hugh Greenwood, the newest additions at Arden Street found across the off-season were all collected for the future, rather than the here and now.
Ins: Jackson Archer (National Draft), Miller Bergman (National Draft), Callum Coleman-Jones (Richmond), Paul Curtis (National Draft), Josh Goater (National Draft), Hugh Greenwood (Gold Coast), Jason Horne-Francis (National Draft).
Outs: Shaun Atley (delisted), Tom Campbell (St Kilda), Trent Dumont (delisted), Taylor Garner (delisted), Charlie Ham (delisted), Connor Menadue (delisted), Robbie Tarrant (Richmond), Dom Tyson (delisted), Will Walker (delisted).
Defenders
Down back, key defender Ben McKay will continue taking the opposition's biggest and best forward.
Veterans Aaron Hall and skipper Jack Ziebell lead the charge, helping the younger players in Aiden Bonar as well as McKay.
Aidan Corr will look to rebound this season, after only managing two games in his first season at the Roos.
After the departure of Robbie Tarrant, the former Giant will play an important role in the side.
Midfielders
The Kangaroos are developing a good core group of midfielders, including Jye Simpkin, Jaidyn Stephenson and Luke Davies-Uniacke.
Youngster Tom Powell will continue what he started in his first season and will benefit greatly playing on the outside from the wing.
Club stalwarts Todd Goldstein and Ben Cunnington will continue to do what they do best and take charge of the group growing around them.
With the emergence of Tarryn Thomas and Will Phillips, players like Jed Anderson and Jared Polec will have to rediscover their best form to stay in the team.
No.1 pick in the draft Jason Horne-Francis is a star midfielder in the waiting, although we believe he'll spend time at half-forward as well.
Forwards
In a boost to their key forward stocks, North Melbourne recruited Callum Coleman-Jones.
Not only does the former Tiger add attacking power, but is also a handy option in the ruck for coach David Noble.
Unlike their back half, North's forward line is full of youth.
The likes of Cameron Zuhaar, Tarryn Thomas, Curtis Taylor and Nick Larkey are all under the age of 24, and will soon enter the prime of their careers.
Best 22
B: Jack Ziebell, Ben McKay, Aiden Bonar
HB: Aaron Hall, Aidan Corr, Luke McDonald
C: Jaidyn Stephenson, Jy Simpkin, Tom Powell
HF: Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Tarryn Thomas
F: Cameron Zurhaar, Callum Coleman-Jones, Curtis Taylor
FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Luke Davies-Uniacke
I/C: Will Phillips, Jed Anderson, Jared Polec, Bailey Scott
Emerg: Kayne Turner, Josh Walker, Charlie Lazarro, Charlie Comben
