Sydney will play its first game in Melbourne this season when it takes on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night. Midfielder James Rowbottom spoke to the media on Friday afternoon.

On North Melbourne

"They're all in pretty good form as well across the park, pretty damaging forward line, really good intercept defenders as well, so we'll have to be on our game as a team as a whole."

On having a young side to start the season

"It has been good, I think it started against Gold Coast in the second practice match that we had, we had a very similar outfit to what we've got at the moment and everyone showed that they're willing and  capable to do what the team demands of them at any given time.

"So I think that was a real confidence boost off the back of that as well, so for boys to step in in the last few weeks, that's sort of been second nature for a lot of them already."

On coming up against Luke Parker

"It should be good, Parks was up a couple of weeks ago in Sydney when they had their break and it was good to see him then so I'm looking forward to seeing him tomorrow and seeing what he's got. 

"I've worked very closely with Parks over the start of my career and he's a massive mentor for me so it's obviously very sad to see him go.  But once that happens, as you said, footy clubs tend to move pretty quickly, the team has found its feet this year and hopefully he doesn't leave too big a space."

On the injury to Tom Papley

"He was obviously another hurdle for us to come across but I think I've seen it the first couple of weeks, boys that have stepped in and really taken their opportunity.

"It is a great opportunity for us to show off our depth, I think we've shown in the first two weeks that we've been in every game in a position to win regardless of whoever's been on the field so we'll look to do that again tomorrow and look to take that chance."

On the "holding the ball" rule

"It's obviously difficult viewing from that external space when you're not on the field but when you're on the field, the whistle comes and goes and you kind of just get on with it. I'm just happy to keep putting my head over it, as you said and keep tackling."