HAWTHORN and North Melbourne have enjoyed a healthy and physical rivalry over the last few years, and Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says he expects that to continue tomorrow night.

Clarkson said the Hawks have a strong respect for the Kangaroos, who sit on top of the ladder with 10 wins through the first twelve rounds of the year.

“We expect a physical North Melbourne, that’s the way they play their best footy,” he said.

“We’ve had great contests with the Kangas for a long period of time – they’ve been a good side for a fair while and obviously we pride ourselves on being a really strong and competitive side too.”

“All the talk and banter that’s been going on this week is no different to the lead into NAB 3 (this year) and Round 5 last year.”

The Kangaroos have a number of weapons within their side, and Clarkson said the Hawks would have to match them in those departments.

“They have a very strong ruck division, a very strong midfield and physicality is a strength of their side and we know we’re going to have to be really strong in that area to be able to compete,” he said.

After going through the first nine rounds undefeated, the Roos have stumbled against good sides in recent times, suffering defeats against the Sydney Swans and Geelong in the last three weeks.

Clarkson said the evenness of the competition meant it was hard to win every week, regardless of the opposition.

“I think that’s the brutal nature of the competition – it’s hard to beat every side every week you play,” he said.

“I think we’re three and three (against fellow top eight contenders) and that record probably stacks up with most other teams in the competition. North have only lost twice but they haven’t played the same amount of sides in the eight as what some other sides have.”

The Hawthorn coach said he was comfortable with where the Hawks are placed at the halfway mark of the season.

“Everyone has lost games here and there and that’s what happens – we’re going to win some and lose some so we’re tracking okay.”