NOT much is going Melbourne's way at the moment and it strikes another snag this afternoon when it takes on North Melbourne at the MCG. You see, the Roos are on the rebound, after their loss in a spiteful, unsociable affair with the Hawks, and that's just the time when you don't want to confront Dean Laidley's men.

All at the Roos live life on a knife's edge. It is a constant battle to survive. The coach's record typifies the place. In his sixth season, he has overseen 57 wins and 59 losses. It's hard to keep your head above water when resources are limited.

But you have to admire the Northerners. They chose to stay in Melbourne and battle on when the Gold Coast option had appeal; 30,000 people have put their hand up to join as members to show their support. That's a record. But they know they are vulnerable and that's why one loss can't be the start of a losing streak that could pressure their existence. So look out Demons. This is what you can expect.

Skipper Adam Simpson is as brave as they come. Each week, he and Brady Rawlings are assigned quality midfielders to squeeze to death with their talents and dedication to stifle. Last week, it was Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge. Today, it is likely to be Brock McLean and Nathan Jones. The Melbourne pair are not in the same league as the above-mentioned Hawks, but that won't stop "Simmo" and his mate from going for the kill.

In the ruck, Hamish McIntosh will concede eight years and more than 200 games of experience to Jeff White. That won't worry the young Roo. Last year, he finished top four in his club's best-and-fairest, and with his ability to cover enormous ground, will run the legs off his more senior opponent.

Down back, North's no-name defence is just downright mean. It pack-jumps to spoil with a fearlessness learnt from Glenn Archer. Michael Firrito inherited Archer's No. 11 and is determined to wear it with pride. Across half-back, Daniel Pratt is fast becoming one of his team's best and Josh Gibson repeatedly gives away size on the opposition's best power forwards, but measures up with his determination and spring. Last week, he had "Buddy" Franklin; today, it could be Russell Robertson.

The good thing about Firrito, Pratt and Gibson is they can play on any-sized opponent, and that means Laidley can keep his back line settled. The class in the back half sits with Jesse Smith. Yet to play 30 senior games, Smith is ideal to create attacking rebound. He reads the play exceptionally well, is good overhead, quick and hits targets by foot.

But the man who aids the back half is the unheralded Leigh Brown. Once again, he is named on the interchange bench. Last week, the big man, who is closing in on 200 games, started on the wing. His instructions were simple. At centre bounces, he was to steam in off the line and use his buck to inflict some damage. After that, he was to push into defence to block the leads of the opposition forwards. He is disciplined and selfless, and does his job well.

In the midfield, the man to watch today is Daniel Wells. It is hoped he can shake his lethargy. With more than 100 games to his credit, the apprenticeship is over. He needs to run till he drops and get off the cruise control. He needs to accelerate upon taking possession to break clear from the congested areas. He needs to kick far more than he handballs, just like teammates Brent Harvey and Shannon Grant do. He is good enough to be a playmaker and matchwinner. At the moment, he sells himself and his team short.

The Kangaroos' forward line is a mixed but exciting bag. Aaron Edwards will thrill with his leaps, but the bottom line is that he teases and doesn't deliver enough. Small but ageing stars Harvey and Grant each average two goals a game. It is a terrific return. They also set plenty up. Nathan Thompson has returned after a year out. He is excited. Why? Because he plays in a team that moves the ball quickly and directly into the forward line. It gives a man who can mark strongly overhead a chance. A 50-goal season is well and truly achievable.

The X-factor up forward, though, is Corey Jones. Few people would recognise him walking down Bourke Street, but he is on the threshold of stardom. Even people in his own club don't rate him as they should. From half-forward, he topped his team's goalkicking last season, with 46, and yet they didn't vote him in the team's top 10. On the open market, I would suggest he would be his club's most sought-after player. He has an uncanny knack of reading the play and is strong and courageous overhead. Today, if he lines up on Nathan Carroll and Brad Miller, he will be just too smart for them.

So, about 4.40 this afternoon, the Roos should have squared the ledger. Two wins and two losses. They never seem to get a big break on the main pack. The next game is always vital, but I don't think they would like it any other way.