Experienced North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson is loving being a part of the young side which has surprised many by winning seven of its opening 12 games this season.
“It’s been enjoyable, the front half of the year,” Thompson said on KB and the Doc.
“We’ve come out pretty well and put some good pressure on.”
While many predicted North Melbourne to continue to fall in 2018, Thompson said his side's form hasn’t come as a surprise internally.
“If you look at last year we dropped five early games by under a goal,” he said.
“Yeah, we played off for a wooden spoon in the last game, but … we could’ve won a few more games.
“This year you could see that in the pre-season.
“We do have enough talent on our list and those young kids have now got a few more games into them and they’re really stepping up.
“When you get a few back you never know what can happen and so far with the game plan that Brad (Scott) and the coaches have put together, it’s been working.”
With 212 games of experience, Thompson has helped develop some of his teammates this season, spending time in particular with Majak Daw.
“Obviously this is his first year (playing in defence) and he’s had a terrific start to the season,” Thompson said.
“He’s only been defending for the pre-season so he’s learned a lot and he keeps learning every week.
“Robbie Tarrant and myself, we are always talking to him at training and giving him a few hints.
“He’s really good, he takes it all on board and he’s always out there practising his craft.”