Aaron Hall is desperate to taste on-field success with North Melbourne and it will be even better if he can prove a few people wrong on the way to the finals.
The former Gold Coast utility sought a trade to the Kangaroos after 103 games in seven seasons without a final and got his wish toward the end of trade period, with the Suns receiving a fourth-round pick in return.
Hall's pace and penetrating kick are his best attributes, but he knows the rub on him is his lack of defensive pressure and two-way running.
He's confident it's a criticism that won't get levelled at him in a clearly defined role as an inside midfielder with the Roos. "I don't think it's a major issue, but I'm looking forward to proving some people wrong," Hall told reporters on Friday.
"It's probably easy to criticise players league-wide around the defensive side, especially midfielders that are in a team that predominantly loses. "I think some players may get away with it who are in successful sides and that's just the industry, I suppose.
Me coming in here, I'll work on all aspects of my game. "I understand that my offence probably far outweighs my defence, but I'll come in here and buy in on all aspects of the game and look to improve my game in every area."
Hall joined his new teammates at pre-season training at Arden St for the first time this week. The 28-year-old is confident he can recapture his best form with North, but will be carefully managed for the next few weeks as he continues rehabilitation on a badly torn pectoral muscle.
Hall played his last game for the Suns against Geelong in round 11 when he tore the muscle off the bone and underwent season-ending surgery.
"I just went to tackle Joel Selwood and I don't know whether he slipped his arm up or not or if it was my bad technique ... probably a bit of both," he said.
"It was just one of those uncanny incidents. "But it's at a really good position now and I'll be full contact in a few weeks."