It is not in the nature of the 23-year-old, who was runner-up in the Kangaroos' best and fairest last season, to do anything else.

"My philosophy is to go in to win and always try your hardest in every game," Thompson said.

"I'm pretty sure everyone is pretty keen to get another practice match under their belt and get that fitness into them."

The 193cm defender, who was picked up with North Melbourne's third selection in the 2007 national draft after playing in a VFL premiership with Geelong, appeared in the Kangaroos' two NAB Cup matches

this season. He played in the 14-point win over the Cats in round one, before a thrilling four-point loss against Fremantle on Sunday.

Thompson said the Kangaroos, who had a light training session to prepare for the match, were enjoying their relationship with Ballarat.

The Kangaroos have already played two intra-club practice matches at Eureka Stadium this year.

"We have been up there a few times this year and so far so good," he said.

"I think all the boys enjoy going there; it's a nice town. We are very happy to keep that bond going."

The club has named a 30-strong squad to take on Hawthorn, which will be the first time Kangaroo-turned-Hawk Josh Gibson has faced his old club. North Melbourne defender Daniel Pratt told

kangaroos.com.au that Gibson, who left Arden Street in September last year, would be treated like any other Hawk when the teams stepped out today.

Pratt still lives with Gibson, but will move out ahead of the start of this AFL season.

"He's a mate of mine. He's mates with a lot of guys here, but he's an opposition player," Pratt told the club website.

"We're going to treat him like every other Hawthorn player. He doesn't get any free ride or any harder ride."

NORTH Melbourne last night added midfielder Daniel Wells to its squad for today's clash. It will be his first hit-out of the pre-season.

A bout of osteitis pubis restricted Wells to just seven games last season.

His return fits in with the schedule outlined by club doctor Con Mitropoulos, who suggested the midfielder would be fit to play at least one game before round one.