NORTH Melbourne could welcome back ever-improving defender Josh Gibson for Saturday night's clash with West Coast at Carrara, after his successful return through the VFL on the weekend.

Gibson was one of Werribee's best in its 15-point win over Port Melbourne, his first game back from a knee injury sustained against the Demons in round four.

"I'm feeling good," he said on Tuesday. "I got to play on the weekend with Werribee, I got through alright and played a fair bit of game time so I'm looking forward to this week."

The 24-year-old wouldn't be drawn into the tunnelling debate, following comments made by senior coach Dean Laidley on Monday night, instead acknowledging the challenge of the looming game against the Eagles.

Ticket sales have been poor for the match – the first of three the Kangaroos will play on the Gold Coast this year – however, Gibson was optimistic that the numbers would grow.

"We really enjoy playing at the Gold Coast and we're always made really welcome up there so it will be really exciting getting up there against West Coast," he said.

"It's a pretty long trip for them so it's important we get off to a good start."

Late last year, the club orchestrated a successful campaign to keep its base at Arden Street despite the efforts of the League to relocate it to the Gold Coast.

As a result, a new franchise has been planned for 2011.

That may have had an impact on interest in this particular game, but Gibson hopes that footy lovers will get behind the sport regardless of who's playing.

"I hope everyone still comes out because obviously for people up there it's important that they support footy so that they can get their own team up there," he said.

"Hopefully they sell a few more tickets."

West Coast's list of injuries and absentees – coupled with a shaky start to the season – has not encouraged the Kangaroos to take the match lightly, with the 2006 premiers enjoying a streak of wins over North since 2005.

"They're a really good team," Gibson noted. "Obviously they haven't had the best start to the season but if you let down your guard, they're definitely a group that'd take advantage.

"It's pretty important that we stick to our game plan and work hard.

"We definitely rate West Coast. They've only won one game but they're a quality outfit, so we definitely won't be underrating them."