NORTH Melbourne's rivalry with Richmond has had a dash of extra spice in recent years, veteran Roo Brent Harvey says.
When Brad Scott and Damien Hardwick took over the respective coaching reins at North and Richmond in late 2009, they both inherited young lists that needed time and careful management to develop into future forces.
The Roos and Tigers' subsequent progress has often been compared in the media as they have raced each other up the ladder.
North beat the Tigers to the finals, when they reached their first finals series since 2008 last season. But as the Roos' 2013 finals chances have faded after a 5-8 start, the Tigers are 9-4 and well placed to challenge for a top-four spot.
Harvey said North now took added motivation into clashes with their contemporaries at Punt Road and would do so again at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
"There is (extra spice) because everyone always compares – or a couple of years ago they always compared – the Kangaroos to Richmond and Melbourne for some reason, with their lists," Harvey said.
"When they put Melbourne ahead of us and Richmond ahead of us you just sort of think, 'OK no worries' and then you just go about your business.
"So every time you play against one of those teams you really want to prove something."
Harvey said this Saturday's clash was part of a critical month for North when it hoped to level its win-loss ledger at 8-8.
After Richmond, North plays the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba and Carlton on a Friday night at Etihad Stadium.
Harvey said if North won all three of those games it could start to eye the finals realistically, but not beforehand.
Harvey said teammate Ben Cunnington had completed training on Tuesday after missing the past two rounds for family reasons, but was no certainty to return against Richmond.
"The boys have been absolutely fantastic support for him, so if he's in a space where his mind is right to play I am sure he can come straight back into our football team because he's a very good player," Harvey said.
Harvey said defender Scott McMahon (ankle) was likely to return against Richmond if he got through North's main training session on Wednesday.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_Nick
