Finishing Season 2018 on a high against North Melbourne will be of the utmost importance for the Saints, who have one last chance to impress at home.

A much-improved showing against Hawthorn has laid the foundation for Sunday’s clash, but this season’s earlier encounter with North was far less memorable for Alan Richardson’s men.

With a 2.10 (22) scoreline at half-time and a final tally of 5.13 (43), the Saints will be intent on rectifying their Round 2 efforts against the resourceful Roos.

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Despite North’s inspirational run coming to an end last week, it should do little to hamper its Shinboner spirit.

Ben Cunnington has exercised this spirit best all year, with his hardness around the contest willing his side to victory on numerous occasions.

The contested ball beast has been the driving force of the Roos’ engine, with the 27-year-old fourth in the league for contested possessions (324) and fifth for clearances (138).

While Cunnington has provided the grunt, Shaun Higgins has supplied the polish.

It’s been a trait integral to North all year, with the smooth-mover accumulating 111 inside 50s – 37 more than any other Roo – to trail behind only Dustin Martin.

Higgins’ unparalleled class and refined skills have served as the Kangaroos’ backbone all year, with the 200-gamer instrumental in the lopsided Round 2 inside 50 count (66-41), of which he racked up nine.

Jack Steele stands in the way of another dominant display, with the emerging Saint keeping Tom Mitchell to just nine touches at half-time last week.

North’s forwards have nonetheless thrived on their midfield superiority, with Ben Brown capitalising with 58 goals – just two behind Coleman Medal leader Jack Riewoldt.

Brown booted six against the Saints earlier this year and will be set on doing so again to secure his maiden Coleman Medal.

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But North could be forgiven should they opt to target Jarrad Waite, with the veteran set to play his final game of AFL football on Sunday.

Add in the lively Jack Ziebell and the Roos will be more than enough for the Saints’ defence to juggle, but the return of Jake Carlisle should play a significant part on Sunday.

Despite the equally energetic Jade Gresham up the other end, the trio of Scott Thompson, Robbie Tarrant and Majak Daw will be intent on blanketing his spark.

While a spot in September won’t be up for grabs, St Kilda will be resolute in wanting to end its dissonant year on a positive note.