RooTube: Dean Laidley press conference

NORTH Melbourne coach Dean Laidley has forecast continuing changes to his side's structure after the experiment of playing defenders Leigh Harding and Michael Firrito in the midfield paid off on Sunday against Melbourne.

Harding and Firrito relinquished their usual posts in the Roos' defensive half in the side's 34-point win, with the former picking up 28 touches and the latter solid against Nathan Jones.

"That was the plan this week," Laidley said, after the game. "We'll change it up and we've tried numerous players through there.

"I thought [Gavin] Urquhart up on the wing was good and Lindsay [Thomas] on the wing was good at stages.

"So we'll continue to throw it around and see what comes of it."

He also said the release of players such as Firrito and Josh Gibson from the back half enabled emerging key position players Lachie Hansen and Scott Thompson to get used to holding down important roles.

Hansen took Brad Miller for the majority of the game and Thompson Paul Johnson, with the result just two goals from the attacking combination.

"I thought they were great today. I thought they were Lachie and Scott's best games by a long way," he said.

"We're going to play them down there, and probably Nathan Grima, who's not too far away.

"We want those seasoned men in the midfield. I can assure you, we're not going to die wondering through that area anymore."

Laidley praised the appearance of forward David Hale, who played the match after overcoming recent illness.

"He's been in bed for about a week and a half. He's been really sick and started to come good on Tuesday so to just battle through today and do what he did was a pretty good effort from a physical point of view," he said.

"He probably wasn't at his best football-wise but it was pleasing with what he was able to give us."

He also expressed his content at the way the Kangaroos settled after a close first half, and praised the way the Demons were able to force five lead changes in the opening two quarters.

"It was easy for the media and people to say that North Melbourne would win this game of football," he said.

"We always knew we were going to have a real battle on our hands, and I thought it was a pretty fierce battle in the first half under some trying conditions.

"I thought our second half – and the further the game went, the better we got – but let's not take anything away from Melbourne.

"To end up winning by 34 points was a very good win for round one, and to get no injuries was pleasing."