NORTH Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein says he and newcomer Braydon Preuss can play in the same side.

With some clubs unwilling to select two recognised ruckman with the running demands of the modern game, Goldstein told radio station SEN he and Preuss have different attributes that benefit the Kangaroos.

The 2015 All Australian is an elite runner for a man of 201cm, while 207cm Preuss is a man-mountain that possesses a physical presence not unlike Greater Western Sydney wrecking ball Shane Mumford.

"There is no reason why we can't play together and we've played three games together (this season)," Goldstein said.

"We both feel we can play in the same side, and we have such different strengths (that) really compliment each other in the way we play our footy.

"(But) having competition for spots is always good, it does keep you pushing."

Goldstein asked for patience with the understanding he's trying to build with the 21-year-old hulking Queenslander, and pointed to the successful combination he formed with ex-teammate Drew Petrie.

"We're still learning how to work in together, and that takes time," Goldstein said.

"It took me and Drew (Petrie) three or four years to really to get the hang of how to play together and do that smoothly.

"After two or three games I don't think me and Braydon have quite got there, but we definitely have the potential to turn that into a really good ruck combination."

With North Melbourne appearing to be in a regeneration phase, Goldstein has quickly become one of the oldest servants at Arden Street, with several long-time teammates departing at the end of 2016.

With veterans Andrew Swallow and Lindsay Thomas dropped for Saturday night's clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium, at 28, Goldstein hopes he isn't the next one to get the tap on shoulder.

"I think a few of us are trying to fudge the numbers a little bit or hope the coach isn't looking at them," he joked.

"I think I went from about the 14th-oldest at the club to the sixth pretty quickly."