Norths are in a commanding position after Mills and fellow veteran Mike Wilson made 81 and 54 respectively to set up an imposing 7/267 from 80 overs at Lorn Park in gale-like conditions at times.

Mills said after a solid start, Norths batters stepped up the run rate between the first drinks break and tea, but the Bulls fought back with some real tight bowling in particular in the last 15 overs.

Sean Gibson chimed in with 43 not out and Josh Callinan made 40.

Mills said it was a pleasing performance after a disappointing opening game against Western Suburbs in which the Plovers batsman showed glimpses of their devastating best to win by 113 runs after making 269 from their 50 overs.

"In the frame of mind and form Wests were in any bowling line-up would have struggled. We showed our inexperience at that level but you have to remember we have lost almost half our premiership team from last season," he said.

"We were missing four bowlers from last season and that showed, but Wests will smash plenty of other attacks and I trust that the players we've got will step up.

"Norths have always developed players and seen them move on to higher levels and quickly developed the next crop of players to come through and take their place."

Callan Barber and Rodney Hines will share the pace bowling with Mills and Norths have a strong contingent of spinners with Gibson, Josh and Jordan Callinan to share plenty of overs along with Mike Wilson's medium pacers.

"I'm confident our bowlers will get the job done going forward," Mills said.