RIVAL clubs are starting to take notice of the Demons again, but a win on Sunday against North Melbourne will speed up that process considerably.

Melbourne have won four of 12 games this season after scoring only two victories in 2013.

Sunday's MCG clash against the Kangaroos (7-5), seventh on the table going into round 14, gives the Demons the chance to make a big statement.

Melbourne assistant coach Jade Rawlings says the way the Demons are perceived by other clubs has changed significantly in just 13 rounds under new coach Paul Roos.

"Opposition teams know we're going to be up for the fight," Rawlings told AAP this week.

"They actually notice us now and realise that we're a team that's really forging ahead."

Last week's one-point, come-from-behind win over Essendon was an emotional triumph for the Demons, but now there's an even bigger scalp on offer.

"You want to beat top-eight teams when you're not one," Rawlings said.

"We've been in (winning) positions against good teams.

"We've got a lot of respect for North Melbourne.

"If we're able to knock them over the credibility of our club over the course of 14 weeks would increase."

A new-look defence has been pivotal in sparking Melbourne's fresh optimism.

The Demons have built their backline around Lynden Dunn, who is playing himself into All-Australian contention.

"It has been two years almost on the dot since we put him down back. He hasn't looked back since then," Rawlings said.

"I'm not shocked with how he's playing. I've seen this evolve over a period of time."

Fullback Tom McDonald, a 21-year-old who was third in Melbourne's best and fairest in 2012 before battling injury and poor form in 2013, is another key figure in Melbourne's defence.

Former high-flying forward Jeremy Howe has also become an important backline player.

"If there's a line on the ground that requires chemistry, there's no doubt the backline's the one," Melbourne's backline coach Rawlings said.

"The fact they've been able to play seven or eight games together now has made a real difference. They've been able to gel and understand each other's games."

McDonald is the likely match-up for Drew Petrie.

North have suffered through an up-and-down season, winning seven and losing five including an upset defeat against Adelaide last week.

"No doubt it frustrates a lot of our players who are consistent to have us labelled as being inconsistent," North's coach Brad Scott said.

"But that's not a label, that's just a fact."