JARRAD Waite says shrugging off the injury woes that dogged him at Carlton has allowed him to become the forward he wants to be at North Melbourne. 

Waite, who will play his 200th game against his former club on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, drew praise for transforming his game from coach Brad Scott this week.

Over the past three rounds, the 32-year-old has become a hunter in attack, ranking fifth in the AFL for pressure acts. 

And, after admitting to a slow start to his first season at Arden Street, Waite said he's finally built his fitness to a point where he can again be more than just a strong-marking target and goalkicker.

"I've just consistently got to bring an effort of defensive pressure because obviously, being a natural forward, that's always going to come," he said. 

"I'm really trying to base my game around defence first. I probably haven't had as many shots on goal as I want to, but I've been tackling and pressure and turning over for goals, which is probably more important.

"I feel like especially early in my career it was something I really focused on and probably coming to a new club I was more focused on earning my spot in the team and the offensive stuff and probably didn’t focus on it as much. 

"Where Brad's been really encouraging with me that you're not in there just for that reason and that everyone's got to play their role. 

"I know that's what he expects now and that's what I'm going to try and deliver." 

Waite's inconsistency made him a constant source of frustration for Blues supporters during his 184 games, with his performances ranging between eye-catching and barely sighted.

And Waite expects to be booed this weekend after walking out as a free agent last year.

"I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it no matter what … I'll take what I get. Obviously, a few fans weren't happy that I left last year. It comes with the territory I suppose," he said.

Waite said injuries hampered him over his final six seasons as a Blue, when he never played more than 16 games in one year.

But with a new program taking load away from his troublesome back, and having overcome a foot issue from earlier this season, he's about to notch up game 17 for the Roos.

He signed a two-year deal at North and, although he's been disappointed with his 23-goal return in 2015, believes some of his best football is ahead of him after a refreshing move from Ikon Park.

"I really needed it. It's just been a really good freshen up," he said.

"I feel like I've got the next few years really to put my dint on this club and hopefully come away with a flag or play some really good football."

And, ahead of his first rematch with his former teammates, does he feel any sympathy for the Blues after their biggest-ever loss against Hawthorn last round?

"Not really, because I know they're going to be fired up," Waite said.

"It's probably the worst-possible result for us, you want them to come off a really hard-fought win.

"I know from being there a long, long time what's gone on this week. They're going to be ready to go and if we're not on our A-game, it could be bad."