North Melbourne full-forward Nathan Thompson says his team's attack on the ball and the man was the key to Saturday's eight-goal win over Melbourne at the MCG.

The Kangaroos may have been wayward with their kicking for goal throughout the contest, finishing with a final score of 18.19, but Thompson was delighted by the fierce pressure that his team-mates were able to exert on the Demons.

"It was a scrappy game but that was due to our pressure as well, we really got up on them and made them turn the ball over," Thompson told Fox Sports after booting five goals in the win. "That's good from a team point of view."

The 30-year-old, who has now kicked 12 goals in his first month back after missing the entire 2007 season following a knee reconstruction, also tried to deflect attention from his own performance.

"I still don't think I got enough (service), I'm a typical forward I always want more," he joked. "But it was nice to actually kick straight, I got a few lucky ones, (Nathan) Carroll did a pretty good job on me today but when I got the chance I kicked the goals and that was nice."

Midfielder Brent Harvey was best afield for North, gathering 19 kicks and seven handballs and capping off his display with a late goal, and he was pleased to have such a big say in the result.

"I had to get in the middle today and get my hands on the footy," Harvey said. "It's been a slow start to the season so I really wanted to make amends for that today."

Harvey also paid tribute in particular to crumbing forward Matt Campbell, who may have only kicked a couple of goals but more than earned his keep with the pressure he applied all day when his team didn't have the ball.

"We all know they (the team's indigenous players) can get the ball but it's the work off the ball and the chasing that they're doing, especially Matty Campbell, he was sensational today," he said. "He doesn't get the credit he deserves but he was pretty good."

Now back on an even keel at 2-2 after twice rebounding from defeats to down Richmond and Melbourne, the Kangaroos will now turn their attention to fellow 2007 top-four side Collingwood, with the teams to clash next Saturday night at the MCG.