With a strong record in big games against the AFL's best, North Melbourne believe they won't get a case of stage fright against Collingwood on Friday night at Telstra Dome.

The Roos have beaten two of the top three sides, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs, drew against fourth-placed Sydney and pushed reigning premiers Geelong in the club's only other Friday night fixture this year.

They also defeated the Magpies by seven points at the MCG in round five.

North coach Dean Laidley was confident his team would repeat the dose on Collingwood and said they would again rise to the occasion of playing in football's "prime time" slot.

"I really think you can make a name for yourself, because you probably get the whole football world watching on Friday night," Laidley said.

"It's an opportunity to get out there to continue to develop a lot of the younger guys that we've got and our more senior players to perform at their optimum level. The guys that have been around for a few years always like to play well on Friday nights.

"If you have a look at our form in Melbourne against any side it's been very very good.

"We've had some disappointing performances interstate ... (but) I'm pretty confident of our playing group every time we've played in Melbourne or we've played on the big stage against any opposition."

While every game is important for the ninth-placed Roos as they pursue a finals berth, they understand the noose will tighten should they lose on Friday night.

Laidley said his team could barely afford to drop a game out of the seven remaining if they were going to play in September.

But he admitted it would be an impressive feat should they make it.

"With the injuries we've had this year, with the ups and downs or lack of consistency from a team point of view, of having guys coming in and out often, it would be a wonderful achievement if we made the finals this year," Laidley said.

"We probably need to win five or six out of seven and the more you win you give yourself some breathing space ... we're full steam ahead to try and get there."

Collingwood assistant coach Mark Neeld said the Magpies had nothing but respect for the `Roos, after they came from behind to beat them in their last meeting.

"What we learnt was reinforced, how competitive North Melbourne are and they pride themselves on contested footy," Neeld said.

"North Melbourne (have) won more games in the AFL since 1993 then any other team, that reinforces just how competitive they are.

"We were nearly three goals up early in the last quarter and they managed to outrun us.

"I think we learnt quite quickly how good they are and that they do never say die, so we need to be prepared for that again tomorrow night."

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