The stunning statistic that highlights North Melbourne's sharp form uptick

North Melbourne has the number one rated defensive 50 in the competition over the last six weeks, according to Champion Data’s Daniel Hoyne.

Something that may come as a shock given they conceded over 100 points in 13 of the first 14 rounds of the season.

However, a shift in game style to move the ball less aggressively coupled with the return of Charlie Comben have led to their defensive profile completely flipping.

Since Round 13, they have conceded scores of 65, 119, 70, 77 and 83.

“They have the number one defensive 50 in the competition over the last six weeks,” Hoyne told SEN’s Sportsday.

“There’s two parts to this. It’s based on what the midfield group is doing at the moment. There ability to win contest more often than not, but then their ability to then control possession off the back of that.

“The first seven weeks in particular, their want to be so aggressive with ball in hand and to take corridor and take these ridiculous options on, when it worked it looked great … but it just gave their defensive group absolutely no chance to be able to compete.

“So now over the last six weeks their uncontested marking game differentials is the third best in the competition. Their disposal differential over the last six weeks is the second best in the competition.

“And then behind the footy, that then gives you the chance to compete as a defensive group.

“On top of that, I just want to give two shout outs defensively. Clearly one to Charlie Comben. He’s been one of the game’s best interceptors over the last three months. That’s a huge tick.

“I just want to give Aidan Corr a bit of a shout out as well. They tried Toby Pink and Kallan Dawson early in the year as their main key defenders – they’ve now kept it really simple Charlie Comben at centre half back and Aidan Corr is the one who is taking on the best opposition key forwards.

“He’s had Jake Waterman, Jacob Van Rooyen, Aaron Naughton and Ben King in this period and hasn’t conceded more than two goals in this time. His last eight one-on-one contests, he’s only lost once.

“It’s given him more of a chance given what’s happening up the ground, a midfield group winning their fair share of footy and then a change of strategy with less aggression.

“Without being disrespectful, we look at the North defensive group and that is their weakness on the ground. So give yourself a chance with how you’re playing as opposed to being so aggressive with ball in hand.”

Things don’t get easier for the Roos however, taking on Sydney at the SCG on Saturday before facing Carlton at Marvel Stadium in Round 19 and Geelong in Round 20.