North Melbourne will need to do more than just switch off "The Buddy Show" if the Kangaroos are to defeat Sydney and extend their historic AFL winning streak.
Swans forward Lance Franklin has been in stunning form over the first nine rounds of the season and looms as a major hurdle the Roos must clear to notch a record 10th straight win to start the season.
But coach Brad Scott won't make the mistake of making it all about Franklin as he prepares for Friday night's clash at the SCG.
"Franklin's obviously a really dominant player but I think Isaac Heeney is as good a young player as there is in the competition at the moment," Scott said.
"They've got a lot of weaponry up there and we're going to have to be at our best to combat that."
Franklin was well held for three quarters by Hawthorn full back James Frawley last week but he kicked two brilliant goals in the final term to help Sydney to a hard-fought win over the reigning premiers.
Scott is understandably keeping his plans for curbing Franklin close to his chest but said it wouldn't be down to just one defender.
"I think a lot of teams play these days as a defensive unit," he said.
"You tend to roll over a little bit but we'll have specific plans in place - as all teams do - for Buddy.
"What history says is that they don't always work so we'll have multiple options there.
"He's a really good player and can play different styles so we'll have to be prepared for all of that."
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