North Melbourne are treating their next two AFL games as "season-defining".

The Kangaroos, who sit sixth on the ladder with three wins from five matches, face Sydney at Telstra Dome on Sunday before travelling interstate for the first time this season to clash with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Ruckman Hamish McIntosh said the Roos will look to firmly entrench themselves in the eight before the competition breaks for the Hall of Fame tribute match on May 10.

"It's pretty season-defining now I think," McIntosh said.

"We're three (wins) and two (losses) and if we get a couple of wins over the next couple of weeks to get to five and two going into the break (because) I think we're got a pretty tough draw after that.

"We're going away interstate, so it's definitely big the next couple of weeks."

Following the break, the `Roos meet West Coast at Carrara, then the speedy Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome, Brisbane at the Gabba and reigning premiers Geelong back at Telstra Dome.

McIntosh admitted his game against Collingwood on Saturday night wasn't great, conceding he allowed direct opponent Josh Fraser too much latitude.

Fraser collected 18 possessions but importantly, pushed forward and kicked four telling goals.

The `Roos ruckman acknowledged he would have to improve his performance against the Swans in-form big man Darren Jolly on Sunday.

"I think Josh got away from me bit too much and he kicked a few goals which wasn't too great on my performance," McIntosh said.

"But overall, I fought back in the last quarter and was able to contribute in the end and get the win which was good for the club.

"Hopefully, I can bounce back with a bit of form this week, (because) I think Jolly's in good form."

After a stand-out season last year, in which he narrowly missed All-Australian selection, McIntosh said he understood the club would expect more from him this season.

But McIntosh said by keeping things simple and focusing on giving the team's onballers first use of the ball at the ruck contests, he would be doing what the club asked of him each game.

"If you put too many expectations and think you've got to do this and do that, then your game won't go anywhere," McIntosh said

"If you stick to the basics, then your game should go well."

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