An in-form North Melbourne are preparing for an onslaught of defensive counter-attacks from the Gold Coast SUNS this weekend when the two sides meet at Metricon Stadium, according to Kangaroo forwards coach Brett Allison.

Coleman Medallist hopeful Lindsey Thomas has been the Kangaroo’s biggest scoring threat this season, and while he may be among the competition leaders for goal-kicking (ranked 2nd), Allison says the creative forward will need to play at his best if the Kangaroos stand any chance of impacting the scoreboard against Guy McKenna’s fledging back-six.

“It’s a young, developing defensive unit but very solid,” Allison told NMFC.com.au.

After being touted as a possible contender for All-Australian Full Back by former Gold Coast SUNS rookie and new Kangaroo Taylor Hine earlier this week, Allison concedes Drew Petrie will have his hands full when he comes up against in form GC SUNS defender Rory Thompson following the former Southport Sharks juniors impressive duals with star forwards Lance Franklin and Tom Hawkins in successive weeks.

“Rory Thompson has gone back this year and done some really good jobs on some very good opponents,” he said.

“I would assume Thompson goes to Drew (Petrie). He’s their biggest, strongest defender so I would assume they would play him on our biggest, strongest forward.”

But it’ll be a never ending conundrum McKenna’s coaching counterpart in Brad Scott, who will also have to identify exactly how to neutralise the damaging impact David Swallow and Trent McKenzie can cause in defence.

“David Swallow has been doing some good things playing off a half-back flank… He’s a good decision maker and he knows the game well from when he was in the midfield,” Allison said.

“He’s also disciplined enough to play his role and stop his man.

“McKenzie has been playing almost as a third tall… We want to keep it out of his hands if we possibly can. He can certainly cut you by foot.”