NORTH Melbourne legend Glenn Archer says while the likely return of stars Hamish McIntosh and Aaron Edwards will boost his former side, the Kangaroos’ biggest asset in their push for an AFL premiership might be sitting in the coaches’ box.

Archer, the Shinboner of the Century and club games record holder who retired last season, believes coach Dean Laidley is the best in the business.

Archer said Laidley’s no-nonsense approach and attention to the opposition not only ensured his players knew what was required each week but also that the Kangaroos would always be competitive against the competition’s best.

“Dean’s philosophy is pretty simple,” Archer exclusively told afl.com.au.

“He demands the players put a heap of pressure on the opposition and their tackling is right up and he’s just a terrific tactician, you know he can really pick the eyes out of teams.

“He does a lot of homework on the opposition to try to break them down.

“I might be a bit biased but I think he’s the best in the competition, coaching wise, at actually setting the team up strategically.”

North Melbourne is fifth on the ladder after winning its past five matches. Perhaps more impressive has been its form this year against the teams considered most likely to challenge for the title.

“The last couple of years we’ve struggled with the top teams and beaten the lower teams but that has swung around this year, so I think it just proves that on any day they can beat anyone,” Archer said of North Melbourne.

“They’ve beaten the Bulldogs twice, they beat Hawthorn, drew with Sydney, beat Collingwood twice and nearly knocked off Geelong.

“So I think looking at that you would think they can beat anyone on their day.”

Archer was a part of the Roos’ failed finals attempt last season but believes the 2008 North Melbourne model might be better equipped to progress further.

“After watching them yesterday [against the Western Bulldogs], they’ve just got a really good even spread,” Archer said.

“The young blokes that have come in have added something, particularly [Lindsay] Thomas, [Matt] Campbell and [Gavin] Urquhart.

“And our top-end players are playing at their best as well, particularly Brent Harvey, so obviously if you get an even spread you’re going to be a chance.”

Archer said the expected return of ruckman McIntosh and key forward Edwards in coming weeks would add to the Kangaroos’ potency, while he also thought youngster Ben Ross could play a role in his former side’s September push.