The pressure of shutting down the opposition's biggest scoring threat every week is enough to drain even the mentally toughest defenders in the competition, but Rory Thompson says he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I think I've had a pretty reasonable start to the year. I've been able to play some consistent footy off the back of a consistent pre-season which has given me a lot of confidence when I play against those key forwards,” Thompson told the Courier Mail.

There is no question the centre half-back has been the surprise package of the competition so far this season, with his potential All-Australian candidacy giving the Gold Coasters a much-needed boost down back as Nathan Bock continues to resurrect his AFL career.

The Southport product's steadying influence across half-back has already disrupted superstar forwards Nick Reiwoldt, Lance Franklin and Tom Hawkins, and likely targets Drew Petrie and Majak Daw can expect to receive plenty of extra attention from Thompson in tonight's must-see contest at Metricon Stadium.

"There is always somebody good to play on week-to-week and I'll probably get Drew again when he plays deep," he said.

And on the back of their nail-biting performances against September regulars Hawthorn and Geelong, the fiery red-head says the playing group will be out to apply immense pressure on the scoreboard against a side that have shown their inability to sustain fourth quarter efforts.

"After a couple of tough away games, the boys are looking forward to playing at home and really pushing North Melbourne."