Gun midfielder Andrew Swallow says 2011 will be the season to “bridge the gap” between North Melbourne and the AFL’s top four sides.

The talented 2009 Syd Barker Medal winner sat down with kangaroos.com.au to talk about the upcoming season, his leadership potential and what it will take for the Kangaroos to make the top eight in 2011.

“Probably the main focus at the moment is to build on where we were last year. We just missed out by percentage on making the finals so an obvious goal will be to make the eight and bridge the gap between us and the top four sides. We didn’t play too well against those teams so if we can close the gap I think it will be a successful season.”

Swallow agrees North Melbourne’s performances against the top four teams in 2010 left a lot to be desired.

“Last season we did really well against the sides which were below or around us and we were competitive with the top four sides for a half or a quarter but we need to be consistent for all four quarters and never let the game blow out. Hopefully this season we can keep it close and win those games.”

Swallow recently re-signed with the club amid heavy interest from new side the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

“A lot of my decision came down to lifestyle factors and where I wanted to be, as well as having Brad Scott as a coach who I really enjoyed working under over the last year. I was really looking forward to staying here. I think we can be successful in the next couple of years. I was happy to stay and hopefully we can enjoy some success.”

The humble Roo says he hasn’t taken too much notice of discussions surrounding his chances of being North’s next captain after Brent Harvey decides to step aside.

“It’s not guaranteed or anything. I’m just happy at the moment working away from a leadership point of view working with the young guys and learning off Boomer (Harvey), Brady Rawlings and Drew Petrie, those guys who have been around a lot longer than I have and are well respected around the club. I’ve still got a lot to learn but it’s an exciting possibility if it does happen.”

Happier to talk about the team rather than his own game, Swallow believes youth will be one of North Melbourne’s key strengths next season, something that was highlighted on the pre-season training camp.

“We spoke about it when we went away to Utah. Our youth can be seen in a number of ways but having those guys who are just starting to come through and play some really good footy like our new draftees is a real strength. Shaun Atley looks like a really good player and the enthusiasm of our new draftees is great and hopefully they can take us a long way. I think there’s a lot of improvement in those guys.”

Swallow has all but guaranteed a match-up with his younger brother David in round 12 when North plays the Gold Coast Suns.

“From watching David play junior footy I think we have pretty similar games where he likes to go in and get the ball, but where he’s a bit different to me is he carries the ball a bit more than what I do and breaks the lines a bit more. I’m really looking forward to playing him and I can learn things from him. David has already said he wants to play on me when we play round 12. It’s definitely been an exciting time for the family.”