Ruckman Ben McEvoy is set for another big challenge this weekend as he this time comes up against North Melbourne counterpart Todd Goldstein at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

One of the Hawks’ most important contributors so far in 2018, and a key reason behind their 4-1 start, McEvoy’s battle with Goldstein looms as one of the critical match-ups in the contest.

The dual-premiership Hawk is currently averaging 32.25 hit-outs and 11.25 disposals after four rounds, while ruck rival Goldstein is sitting on 29.75 and 13.25, respectively, as he continues to build his way into top form.

But after plenty of tough battles over the years, McEvoy admits he’s looking forward to hopefully pinning one back on his All-Australian counterpart.

“To be honest he probably toweled me up in my early days and when I was younger,” he told Triple M on Monday.

“But we’ve had some good battles in the last couple of years so that’ll be another tough one.”

McEvoy also said that, while the Hawks have had the wood over North Melbourne in recent times, winning eight of their last nine encounters, the side would have to be at their best to topple the Kangaroos.

“There’s always plenty of passion in those games,” McEvoy told Triple M on Monday.

“I reckon they’re going okay so we’ll have to be on the money this week.”

Read: Forward happy to wait on injured pair