OPPONENT: North Melbourne
VENUE: Etihad Stadium (the roof will be closed)
DATE AND TIME: Saturday, July 11, 7.20pm AEST
WEATHER FORECAST: showers, 12 degrees
 
Check out the Cats’ selected side
 
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

1. THE RETURN OF JIMMY BARTEL AND JAMES KELLY
Bartel hasn't played in the AFL since suffering a knee injury in round three, while Kelly has been sidelined since spraining an ankle against Port Adelaide in round 11. Both players have benefitted from the unprecedented 20-day break between matches, which is a result of last weekend's match against Adelaide being cancelled after the tragic death of Phil Walsh. Bartel used the time to blow out the cobwebs with a 30-disposal effort in the VFL. Kelly was not fit enough to make an appearance in the VFL, but he has been putting in plenty of miles on the training track.

And let's not forget our other comeback kid. On Saturday afternoon, Daniel Menzel will return to the field for the first time since undergoing his fourth knee reconstruction in 2013. Everyone connected with the Cats has their fingers crossed that Menzel gets through unscathed.

Watch Chris Scott talk about the Cats' issues in Tweet The Coach
 
2. TOMAHAWK TO TURN IT ON
It's been a massive week for Tom Hawkins, with the star forward signing a multi-million dollar five-year contract on Thursday. Behind the scenes, Hawkins has been working hard at rediscovering his best form. After kicking 68 goals in 24 games last season, he has just 21 majors in 10 games this season. Part of the problem has been Hawkins allowing himself to becoming involved in wrestles with his opponent, which was what happened when Melbourne's Lynden Dunn curtailed his impact in the Cats' most recent outing. Look for the big fella to get on the move against the Roos on Saturday night.

Watch Tom Hawkins speak about his new contract

3. MORE GOALS FROM CENTRE BOUNCES
The Cats are last in the competition for clearances but are second when it comes to scores from centre bounces. In fact, Saturday night's game pits two teams that have been very good at winning the ball from centre bounces this season. North Melbourne has averaged 13.2 centre bounce clearances per game (equal-third in the competition), while Geelong has averaged 12.5 (equal-fifth).
 
Read our Cat Stats column about Geelong's clearance conundrum
 
4. STEVIE J TO PLAY A FULL GAME
When Geelong hosted North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium in round four there was a big shock prior to the game. The shock came when the Cats lodged their team sheet and superstar midfielder/forward Steve Johnson was listed as their sub. Johnson wore the red vest for most of the first three quarters, but he made a big impact on the contest in the final quarter. He dragged his team within reach of the lead by kicking two impressive goals, although the Cats eventually fell short. The man known as 'Stevie J' has been a key contributor in the Cats' last four games, so expect him to be out on the ground for the first bounce this time around.

Read our recap of Geelong's most recent clash with North Melbourne
  
5. THE CATS TO TURN THE TABLES
Geelong has lost its past two games against North Melbourne. The Cats were bundled out of the finals in straight sets by the Roos last season, then lost the afore mentioned clash at Simonds Stadium earlier this year. But Geelong should take plenty of confidence from its record at Etihad Stadium. The Cats have won their past six games at the venue, including recent wins over Carlton (77 points) and Essendon (69 points).