Rhyce sees the clash in Hobart on Sunday as a major test of North Melbourne's bona fides.

While the Kangaroos are on a three-game winning streak, two of them under Shaw as their interim coach, the Giants will be a much tougher opposition.

At their best, GWS are premiership contenders and they are on the rebound after a grinding loss to Adelaide.

The Kangaroos also have lost key playmaker Shaun Higgins, who needed shoulder surgery this week and is out action for about six weeks.

"It's a really important game in terms of where we want to go as a footy club," Shaw said.

"This week is so important to us.

"Hopefully we'll be able to cover him in some capacity - you can never replace Shaun Higgins."

Then there's Heath, with the Giants defender winding up his brother ahead of the game.

Asked if Heath is the most annoying person that he knows, Rhyce deadpanned: "He'd certainly be up there - he's one of a kind, my brother.

"We've heard a little bit from Heath, haven't we?

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing GWS in Hobart - that's the real key for me this week."

Rhyce was also asked if it is weird coaching against his brother.

"Not only because he's my brother, but he's a bloody good player and he's done some damage over his time," he said.

While the Kangaroos will start underdogs, all four GWS losses this season have been outside of Sydney.

North's round-nine loss to Sydney was also a rare blemish for them at Bellerive Oval, where they beat GWS by 43 points last season.

"Ever since I got here, we've talked about playing the venue really well, we have a good record down there," Shaw said.

"We had a slip-up this year against Sydney, but they played some pretty good footy that night.

"We're looking forward to getting our home away from home back on track."

Sunday will also be the 200th game for North midfielder Ben Cunnington.

"He's astounded me - he's an absolute beast in the contest," Shaw said.

Australian Associated Press