Mitch Duncan said the club is excited about the challenge that awaits over the next five weeks, with every game holding significance in the run towards potential September action.  

Despite the result on the weekend, the Cats remain in sixth position on the ladder with just two games separating second place down to eleventh.  

Geelong have one game remaining against a top eight opponent, with the final five week block starting with a clash against North Melbourne in Hobart this Saturday.  

04:06

Mitch Duncan Press Conference | Round 20

Mitch Duncan spoke to the media in the lead up to the Round 20 match against North Melbourne. Presented by Ford.

Duncan touched on the weekend’s game, noting how there is plenty for the playing group to work on with an exciting stretch of upcoming games.  

“As Scotty mentioned it was probably a little bit uncharacteristic from us, albeit they played really well and we just couldn't get the game on our terms at all,” Duncan said.  

“Plenty to work on which is the exciting part, we get to hone our craft again through the week and then go again against North Melbourne which we are looking forward to.  

“The exciting part about playing footy at the minute is that every game really means a hell of a lot, especially when there is only two games between second and eleventh on the ladder.  

“Every game counts and we still have a lot of work to do, those 'eight point' swing games are massive which is exciting.”  

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 20: Mitch Duncan of the Cats in action during the 2024 AFL Round 19 match between the Geelong Cats and the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on July 20, 2024 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

The Cats will head to Blundstone Arena for just the third time in AFL history this weekend, taking on North Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.  

North Melbourne has stringed together a patch of competitive performances over the last seven weeks, providing another stern test for the Cats this weekend.  

Duncan said the team is looking forward to the challenge against the Kangaroos.  

“They were great last weekend, albeit they didn't get the win but their bounce off half back and their ball use was pretty slick at times,” Duncan said.  

“We will have to stop that and counter it the other way.  

“Every AFL team talks about pressure, so we need to get our pressure up and create turnovers going back the other way which is important.  

“It is another big game for us which is exciting.”  

The Cats will battle North Melbourne this Saturday with the opening bounce at 1.45pm.