The Roos conclude a two-day visit to Ballarat with a training session on Tuesday afternoon ahead of Thursday's intra-club scratch match at Arden Street.
A super-clinic, forums and visits to schools and hospitals have also been part of the program.
Vice-captain Drew Petrie, originally from the town, said it was a welcome change of scenery after four weeks of intensive training to start 2009.
"This week could be a step back as we get to mingle with some kids in the local primary schools," he said, adding that the visit bolsters the Roos' affiliation with VFL premier North Ballarat.
"It keeps you grounded going into the season about the opportunity we've got as custodians of the North Melbourne footy club. It's a low key week – a bit of calm before the storm really.
"I'm always happy to come home. It gives me an excuse to see the family."
Half-forward Corey Jones shares a similar sentiment, all too aware of how quickly the rigours of the season can take effect.
"The year goes pretty quick from here on in so it is good to kick back before our first full-scale intra-club," he said. "[We only have] another half-a-week until we're pretty much into it full-time.
"From then on the body gets sorer and the legs get heavier."
North's pre-season training started on November 3 and Petrie said his teammates are looking forward to match practice after what most have described as their heaviest summer workload.
With Robbie Tarrant (shoulder) the only player unable to be considered for Thursday's hit-out, North is in a strong position ahead of its NAB Cup opener against Carlton on February 20.
Petrie added that the departure of experienced quartet Shannon Grant, Nathan Thompson, Jess Sinclair and Leigh Brown should encourage his younger teammates to press for selection.
"It just gives our third- and fourth-year players the opportunities to fill the gaps there and have an impact in the club," he said.
"It's time a few of these guys kicked on. It's a positive thing that we've got the chance to do that."
The 26-year-old said he still has "unfinished business" after North's elimination final loss to the Sydney Swans and expects to again share his time between the forward line, defence and the ruck.
