The VFL Cats head to Arden Street this Saturday for a clash with the Kangaroos, looking to cement their position in the top four with just three home and away matches remaining.
Geelong is coming off an exhilarating game against Footscray, which finished in a draw after a nail-biting final quarter.
Despite recording more inside 50’s (+10) and more clearances (+6), the Cats were unable to find the winning score with several last-gasp opportunities sailing wide.
North Melbourne have dropped two of their past three games, most recently falling to Box Hill by 14 points in a low scoring affair last Saturday.
The Kangaroos are sitting just one win outside the top ten, meaning the Cats can expect a desperate outfit looking to push their case for September action.
Match Details
North Melbourne v Geelong
1.05pm AEST, Saturday 27 July
Arden Street Oval, Melbourne
Ladder
Geelong: 4th (10-4-1)
North Melbourne: 13th (7-8)
Points For
Geelong - 1315
North Melbourne - 1101
Points Against
Geelong - 1031
North Melbourne – 1251
What it Means
Currently sitting in fourth position, the Cats can climb as high as second with a win this weekend.
Geelong will enjoy a bye next weekend and will be looking to cement their standing in the top four with a win this weekend.
A loss could see the Cats fall as low as seventh.
Last Time We Met
Geelong last faced North Melbourne in Round 16 last season, falling by 43 points. They Cats has only eight AFL listed players compared to the Kangaroos 16.
The inexperienced Cats did well to stay in the contest, trailing by just three points at the final break but North Melbourne pulled away late with a seven goal final term.
Marcus Herbert led the way for Geelong picking up 24 disposals, while Jye Chalcraft was dominant with 24 possessions and nine clearances.
Key Players
Mitch Hardie continued his strong form against Footscray, eclipsing 30 disposals (32) for the third time in his last four matches along with seven clearances and seven tackles.
Rhys Stanley put together one of his strongest performances, collecting 18 disposals and seven clearances while winning a game high 47 hit-outs and booting a goal.
Jed Bews had a team high nine intercept possessions, while Marcus Herbert led the way for the VFL listed players with 17 possessions and a goal.
Broadcast
All matches in the 2024 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons are also live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App.
