AFL bottom side North Melbourne face the rare prospect of starting favourites in Saturday's clash with struggling Gold Coast in Hobart.
After near misses against finals hopefuls GWS and flag fancies Brisbane, a third-straight match at Blundstone Arena presents the Kangaroos with a huge chance to claim their second win of the season.
A victory would help validate the processes David Noble has been trying to instil in his young group.
But the "favourites" tag has not been a focus for the first-year coach, who is intent on continuing to add layers to a game style that he hopes will eventually bring more consistent results.
It is a method that has served North Melbourne well in improved performances over the last two weeks since the bye.
"The exciting bit is the growth that we're seeing before our very eyes," Noble said.
"We still know there are some bumps in the road ahead ... we're not saying that it's all going to be smooth sailing.
"But if our energy and our effort is consistent, then we know that the outcomes that we can deliver are better.
"Our players have got a great thirst to improve and get better, and they're really on point with what that now looks like."
Gold Coast were 59-point winners over North Melbourne in round two but have won just three matches since then.
They have hit the skids since the bye, with horror defeats to Fremantle and Port Adelaide seeing them plummet to 16th spot on the ladder.
The Suns suffered a double-blow this week when captain David Swallow (concussion) and fellow midfielder Lachie Weller (hamstring) were ruled out, while key defender Sam Collins (ankle) is again unavailable.
"We've had real inconsistencies at different times through the year and it's been highlighted, clearly, in the last couple of weeks and it's really cost us," Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew said.
"Those periods of inconsistency have been far too great.
"That's our focus - trying to drive that consistency with the playing group, regardless of who's playing."
Josh Corbett and Ben Ainsworth return for Gold Coast alongside wingman Jeremy Sharp, who plays his first game for the season after signing a new two-year contract with the club.
North recalled last year's No.3 draft pick Will Phillips to replace Bailey Scott (omitted).
Australian Associated Press
