North Melbourne defender Nathan Grima says it’s going to require a team effort to keep Geelong’s powerhouse forward Tom Hawkins quiet in Friday night’s semi-final.

Grima and North’s 2013 All-Australian fullback Scott Thompson are likely to start the knockout clash at the MCG on Geelong’s key forwards Josh Walker and Hawkins.

Those two key match-ups could go a long way towards deciding who advances to next weekend’s preliminary final against Sydney.

“The really good backlines have good third-up support,” Grima told AAP this week.

“Tom Hawkins is going to be a big threat for us so we’ve all got to make a collective effort to try to stifle his influence.”

The 192cm Grima says for almost every match in his 84-game career, Thompson and Michael Firrito have been his teammates in the backline.

“We’ve got a great relationship,” Grima says.

Grima says teenager Luke McDonald, who has played 21 games in his debut season, has been another key member of North’s defence.

“Luke McDonald has come down there and he just plays beyond his years,” Grima said.

“When you’ve got full trust in everyone that you play with, it’s a big plus.”

Grima says 16-game veteran Walker is a dangerous player despite his lack of experience.

“Josh Walker, you saw in the first quarter of the qualifying final last week, he took two of the better pack marks you’ll see,” Grima said.

“I don’t need to give them any motivation to want to touch me up on Friday night so whoever it will be, it’s going to be our six or seven guys trying to beat their six or seven forwards.”