North Melbourne are ready to go head-to-head with Geelong on Friday night despite being smashed by the Cats the last time the two sides met and with question marks over their star forwards.

Geelong belted the Kangaroos by 106 points in last year's qualifying final before going on to win the flag.

But Kangaroos utility Drew Petrie said going ultra-defensive against the slick Cats would not increase their chances of victory.

"We'll try and squeeze their midfielders but they're going to kick goals, they're going to get possessions, they're going to win the footy and play some good footy because they're a great side," Petrie said.

"We've just got to combat that as best we can and also attack ourselves - we can't be frightened in taking risks and attacking.

"If you try to defend all game against Geelong you won't win."

With a cloud hanging over Nathan Thompson's fitness and Corey Jones desperately out of form, Petrie said he expected to again be called upon to help solve the `Roos forward line problems.

After starting the season in the backline, Petrie has been used in attack in the past two weeks and has booted six goals.

"I'm guessing I'll be pushing forward and in the ruck as well depending on (what happens with) Thommo," Petrie said.

"I've played the first six games in the backline so to push into the forward line you get a bit more glory kicking goals."

Thompson revealed on Tuesday he was hampered by knee soreness - the same knee that needed reconstructive surgery last year - in the `Roos' 31 point loss to Brisbane on Saturday night.

Scans revealed he had jarred the knee and would have to pass a fitness test on Thursday.

"It was a bit of a struggle on the weekend but as far as the actual reconstruction goes, it's good," Thompson said.

"I'd say I've just landed on it and jarred it a bit which is making it hard for me to run at top pace like on the weekend.

"Most weeks I've been playing with a little bit of soreness there and on the weekend unfortunately it didn't come up that well."

The Kangaroos spearhead did not shy away from admitting he produced a poor performance against Brisbane.

Thompson was held goalless by Lions fullback Daniel Merrett and could only manage three kicks and one mark for the game.

"You've got to be honest about your own performance and I know it was below par," he said.

"More to the point, I think I was beaten by a very good opponent.

"There's no excuses for that - I didn't put up a good showing on the weekend for the team but hopefully this weekend I can get back out there and make amends for it."

The side's other key target in attack - Jones - is battling a major form slump.

Jones, who was the club's leading goal-kicker last year with 46, started the season well, booting seven goals against Richmond in Round two.

But he has managed just one major in each of the past four games.

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