Roos performance analyst manager Jason Lappin, a dual premiership coach with Wangaratta in the Ovens and Murray league, said he couldn’t wait to return to the Norm Minns Oval ahead of North Melbourne’s clash with St Kilda on Saturday, February 20.

It will be the first time Lappin, who led the Pies to flags in 2007-08, has returned to the ground since he left Wangaratta in 2009 to take up a position with North Melbourne.

“I’ve heard the ground is in great shape,” he said.

“I’m sure to cop a bit from some of the players but I can’t wait, it’s going to be great.”

Lappin said the Roos had a fit list and would be looking to impress against the Saints in Wangaratta and when they tackle Collingwood at Wagga’s Robertson Oval on Saturday, March 5.

North Melbourne, which has played in back-to-back preliminary finals, is yet to win a round one match since Lappin and coach Brad Scott joined the club in 2010.

“All I know at this stage is we’ve got a really good, healthy list and we will be looking to play most of our players in around two matches over the course of the pre-season,” he said.

“Guys will be selected on where they’re at with their preparation but I think we will be playing pretty handy sides.

“Brad likes to give everyone a run, he doesn’t tend to just play all the young guys in one practice game and then the older guys in later ones.

“We’ve started the year poorly for a long time now so we’d like to change that.”

The Roos have a strong link to the North East with Wodonga trio Jack Ziebell, Shaun Atley and Kayne Turner key players on their list.