PORT ADELAIDE will look to take in a similar plan as it did against West Coast when it faces North Melbourne on Friday night.

Port’s ability to nullify North’s intercept-marking defenders - as it did against the Eagles - will be an important factor in deciding this weekend’s winner.

Power co-captain Tom Jonas said the way his side was able to compete and scrap in the forward line last week was important and knows they will have to do the same against the Roos.

“I think it typifies the way we want to play our footy,” Jonas said.

“Whether it’s the way we want to kick the ball in or scrap and fight out a game.

“The way our forwards scrapped it out and made sure they got a hand in to intercept those balls, and make sure the likes of McGovern weren’t taking marks was fantastic.”

“If you look at the North Melbourne team, they are very similar (to the Eagles),” he said.

“They’ve got Robbie Tarrant and Scott Thompson who are key intercept markers.

“Where the opportunity provides itself - kicking the ball along the ground or high - then we definitely will (apply similar tactics).”

Friday will be the first time Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard will play against their former side, but the 28-year-old wasn’t getting drawn into comparing them to Port’s new draft picks.

“We are very happy with the way the young boys have progressed,” Jonas said.

“We don’t look at the business we do in the off-season like that.

“We see someone we respect as a good player and great teammate leaving, and in return we have a young fella we are really pleased to have part of our group.”

However, Jonas has been really impressed with the way Xavier Duursma - taken pick no. 18 in last year’s draft - has settled into his role on the wing.

“I don’t think we’ve added pressure on him by comparing the two but Xavier has come in and he’s had a clear set of guidelines about what we need him to do on the wing.

“He’s been the consummate professional and team player in the way he has done that.

“We’ve basically given him the mandate to run up and down the ground, both in offence and defence - he’s got a big tank and he’s been able to do that.

“As an added bonus he is as tough as nails as a winger, and when he’s had an opportunity to put his head over the ball or go back and take a strong mark, he’s been able to do that.

“We’ve loved everything Xav has brought to the group.”

Port will host its 16^th consecutive ANZAC Round clash when it faces the Kangaroos on Friday night starting at 7.20pm.