NORTH Melbourne coach Darren Crocker says he's not surprised by Brisbane Lions counterpart Michael Voss' success in his first season in charge.

Fifth on the ladder behind Collingwood on percentage, the Lions have won 10 of their 16 games this season and are in a strong position to play finals for the first time since 2004.

Crocker said Voss' skills were complemented by a support staff that included the experience of former Carlton coach Wayne Brittain.

"He's a quality bloke, he's got a good footy brain and has got some really good support around him," Crocker said of Voss.

"I've worked with Wayne, who's in the box with him, and I know Craig Brittain and Craig Lambert.

"He's got some good footy people in his corner and he's someone who's always had a bit of a presence, so it doesn't surprise me with how much he's been able to come in and have an impact."

North (4-11-1) will meet the Lions for the second time in eight rounds when they clash at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Lions won their round 10 encounter at Docklands by 18 points and have only lost two games since.

Crocker said an even contribution was behind the Lions' improvement this season.

"They've always been quite an attacking team, with the power forwards that they've got," he said.

"When they've got it into [the forwards] they've always looked damaging, but they've really shored up their defence and are getting a lot of drive and penetration from it.

"They've also been able to inject a Daniel Rich into their midfield.

"They're getting a good balance right across the board, which has allowed them to become better."

Voss isn't the only one earning competition-wide praise in his first season.

Roos assistant coach Danny Daly told kangaroos.com.au that Rich, who has played all 16 games this year and is the red-hot favourite for the NAB AFL Rising Star Award, had already become the Lions' most dangerous midfielder.

"I've watched them a fair bit over the last month and obviously (Simon) Black is a champion footballer and someone we need to watch, but Rich has got under a few guards in the last few weeks," he said.

"When he was drafted, everyone knew that he had a body ready to play AFL football and he's certainly proved that. His ability to get through 16 games and not lose any endurance or look tired has just been amazing.

"We've got a kid who's not too dissimilar in (Jack) Ziebell, but unfortunately he's copped a couple of injuries."

Rich has collected over 30 possessions in each of the last two games.