But one thing Kangaroos fans are assured of is that every player in that defensive unit is a tough nut who knows his role.
While Glenn Archer, one of the club's most famous soldiers, retired his 311 games of experience last year, the faces that remain have become very familiar.
Archer's job has been left to a new breed and one of those is Josh Gibson.
It’s hard to believe that Gibson, elevated from the club’s rookie list in 2005, has only played 26 senior matches.
Although a relative newcomer in terms of experience, the 24-year-old would be among the first picked each week.
Those 26 games are punctuated by some tough assignments and Gibson continues to show the attributes that favour his prospects as a long-time member of Dean Laidley’s back six.
“I haven’t been around for that long, I guess,” Gibson told kangaroosfc.com.au
“I am a little bit older so my age and having that little bit extra maturity probably helps me deal with those jobs a little bit easier.”
Regularly facing bigger, stronger opponents, Gibson says his trade has been aided by Archer – the Shinboner of the Century.
“Getting to play with Arch, who’s played so many games, really helps you,” Gibson said.
“He was always playing as an under-sized defender.
“I did a lot of work with him … then there’s the other back guys in Pratty (Daniel Pratt), Drew Petrie, Spud (Michael Firrito), those blokes as well.”
While Gibson said he still spoke to Archer “at times”, the majority of his mentoring comes from the club’s defensive coach.
“Obviously guys like Darren Crocker, I do a lot of work with him, and just the other guys we’ve got in the backline as well,” he said.
The one-time Port Melbourne star, now an AFL regular, said working with others was integral in helping him prepare each week.
Sure, lining up against players of the calibre of Hawthorn gun Lance Franklin isn’t easy, but it’s a job Gibson relishes.
“I enjoy it … you play footy, you want to play on the best players.”
Gibson played a key role in North Melbourne’s gutsy semi-final win over the Hawks last year.
On that evening at the MCG, his third game back from a serious head injury, Gibson kept ‘Buddy’ to three goals as the Roos beat the Hawks by 33 points.
But Gibson said his performance on the competition’s big guns each week is the culmination of good planning.
“Obviously you just go in with your game plan and you’ve got to have faith [in] what you’ve sat down and spoke about with the coaches,” he said.
“You play to that and you set it out and hopefully get the job done.”
With more experience – and responsibility – set to come his way, Gibson’s development could be crucial to how his side performs.
And he shares confidence in the men around him, believing the Kangaroos’ defensive unit is in good shape.
“We’ve got a lot of good young kids coming through,” he said.
“Scotty Thompson has played a game already this year, and there’s a few other kids that have been drafted that are definitely going to help strengthen the backline further down the track.
“They’re going to keep putting pressure on us and make sure we keep performing.”
