3. Defining Period

Rounds 22 and 23 will define North Melbourne's season. It's fair to assume they won't be in the top-eight and it's fair to assume they'll be closer to the bottom four than 9-14 on the ladder.

They finish their season with matches against Sydney and Adelaide. These games could define the season because it's possible these teams will be around the same ladder position as the Kangaroos.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Kayne Turner of the Kangaroos tackles Paul Seedsman of the Crows during the 2018 AFL round 22 match between the Adelaide Crows and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Adelaide Oval on August 19, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)

These games will dictate where on the ladder these three teams finish and more importantly perhaps, how strong their draft hand is going into the 2021 draft.