WHO MUST win more?

That's the glaring question ahead of North Melbourne's clash with Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

Fremantle has not won a match since round three and is out of finals contention however, club pride is now very much at stake.

For the Kangaroos, a narrow loss to Geelong to kick off a hard month into the split round has added some urgency.

"We've had some pretty tough games lately and a couple of them we haven't been able to get over the line in," said North Melbourne midfielder Brady Rawlings.

"It does become a must-win, because we've got sides nipping at our heels – St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Carlton. You've got to keep winning to stay above those teams. Pretty much every week seems like a must-win."

Rawlings also subscribed to the opinion that Fremantle's win-loss record doesn't do its talent justice.

"They've been playing some good footy," he said. "The last four or five weeks [they've had] very narrow losses and there's obviously been a fair bit made about the last quarters or whatever. They've definitely been in positions to win every week and even on the weekend they came within a few goals of Brisbane.

"We played them (Brisbane) the week before and know how tough they are up there. They're definitely better than what their ladder position suggests."

However, North has the knowledge – and confidence – of last year's stirring four-point win over Fremantle in Perth.

"We've had some recent form against Freo over there, West Coast probably not as good," he said. "I think we've had success when we've won the ball against Fremantle and that's probably where it starts.

"(Aaron) Sandilands is in some amazing form and that's going to be a pretty big match-up with Hamish (McIntosh) and Haley (David Hale), who have stood up the last couple of weeks."

Rawlings could be fancied to go head-to-head with Fremantle youngster Rhys Palmer, who is averaging 23 possessions a game in his first year at AFL level.

"I actually watched him pretty closely on the weekend and for a young bloke in his first year, not many people can do what he's done," he said. "I might be a chance, I'm not too sure. They've got a few blokes around the ball, (Josh) Carr and (Peter) Bell get their hands on it as well.

"[But] my role's changed a little bit lately rather than just purely tagging blokes. It could be a free-run midfield, who knows?"

A bit more clarity is hoped for on the injury front with midfielder Daniel Wells and key forward Nathan Thompson both aiming to return from knee troubles.

"I think Wellsy should be alright this week," Rawlings said. "He trained last week and was probably touch-and-go. Hopefully we'll get him back. He's pivotal for us, just his ball use.

"When the ball's in his hands we're a better side."