A DAZZLING three-bounce run and handball to Shannon Grant in the closing stages against Collingwood was a highlight of North Melbourne's thrilling win last Friday night.

After swooping on a loose ball, Matt "Flash" Campbell slipped past an opponent, raced towards goal and dished off a looping handball over another Magpie's head to the waiting Grant. Goal.

It was the moment the Kangaroos sealed victory over the Magpies and confirmed September action was still very much in their sights.

Despite an inconsistent year, the Roos' small men have produced moments of brilliance and could help cement a top-eight spot against Melbourne on Sunday.

Grant, who returned to the side last week after a club-imposed suspension, said successive wins had built "a really strong belief among the group" heading into the final six rounds.

"Over the last two or three weeks that consistency we've been able to build probably puts us in a good position to give it a decent tilt this year," he said.

"We got whacked between the eyes a few times last year, but that was last year and this year we've shown we can match it with the better sides in the competition."

Brent Harvey, who starred in the Roos' win on Friday night, said the introduction of new players had rejuvenated the side after last year's preliminary-final loss.

"Gavin Urquhart, Ben Ross, Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas have stepped up (and) I reckon we're a better team," Harvey said.

Campbell, who finished with 15 disposals against Collingwood, is relishing the chance to play a key role in just his second year at Arden Street.

Thomas (also in his second year) and Campbell have kicked 47 goals between them.

"Lindsay Thomas, 'Shagger' (Grant) and me have been working well together," Campbell said.

"We try to kick goals when the ball hits the ground and if we don't get our hands on it first, then we put pressure on and make it hard for teams to get it out."

If that's his job description, Campbell's employers should be pleased with his development.

The 21-year-old has played every game since coming off the rookie list last year, kicked 25 goals and laid 60 tackles — the third most at the club behind Daniel Harris and skipper Adam Simpson.

While his thrilling pace explains the nickname, it's his tackling that helps earn him a regular spot.

"Back home in Alice (Springs) I played a more attacking style, then at North Adelaide I started adapting to that forward pressure role," he said.

"It's been a really good challenge and I'm just enjoying each week, putting one game behind another."

Off-field, he says, teammate Eddie Sansbury helped him settle into life in Melbourne, while on-field Daniel Wells and Harvey have been a major influence.

"We get great leadership on-field, so I was never worried about that; it's more the off-field I was worried about, not knowing anybody in Melbourne."

He said Melbourne's "cold, very cold" weather was another challenge, but earning a regular senior spot and working towards the fnals had kept him focused.

With AAP