SUMMARY
Geelong has been dealt a significant blow ahead of its top-four blockbuster against ladder leader North Melbourne, with spearhead Tom Hawkins accepting his contentious one-match ban for striking GWS co-captain Phil Davis in the 10-point win. While the third-placed Cats have lost their leading goalkicker, the Kangaroos have regained coach Brad Scott, who has overcome the viral illness that prevented him from overseeing last week's 70-point win against Richmond. North captain Andrew Swallow led his team superbly with 19 contested touches, 11 tackles and 10 clearances, while his counterpart, Cat Joel Selwood, also produced an inspirational effort against the Giants, with his 12-possession, one-goal final quarter guiding his side to victory after back-to-back upset losses. Despite Hawkins' absence, the intriguing midfield match-up makes this one of the must-watch games of round 12, as the Scott brothers lock horns in the coach's box.
Andrew Swallow was superb against the Cats in round 15, 2015. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 11, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for AFL.com.au's broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2015, North Melbourne 18.12 (120) d Geelong Cats 11.13 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2015, North Melbourne 12.11 (83) d Geelong Cats 9.13 (67) at Simonds Stadium
2SF, 2014, North Melbourne 14.14 (98) d Geelong Cats 13.14 (92) at the MCG
R19, 2014, Geelong Cats 16.15 (111) d North Melbourne 10.19 (79) at Etihad Stadium
R10, 2014, Geelong Cats 16.15 (111) d North Melbourne 13.13 (91) at Simonds Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Kangaroos set up their win over the Cats in round 15 last year with a seven-goal-to-one second term. Captain Andrew Swallow was best on ground with 24 disposals, 12 tackles and two goals.
2. North Melbourne is No.1 in centre clearances this season, averaging 14.7 per game courtesy of Todd Goldstein, who is ranked third in the League for total hit-outs.
3. The Roos have won the past three clashes over Geelong, but they haven't defeated the Cats in four consecutive games since 2000-01.
4. Little separates the sides at Etihad Stadium, with six wins to five in the Kangaroos' favour. North is undefeated from six games at the venue so far in 2016.
5. Geelong continues to be the No.1 contested marking side this season, while the Kangaroos are ranked equal-fifth in this area.
6. Zac Smith has climbed 131 places, from No.354 to No.223 overall, in the Schick AFL Player Ratings since round one. The Cats' recruit is closing in on his career best (No.207 overall), which was recorded in round 20, 2012.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Michael Firrito.
The 32-year-old will notch his 264th game and become the equal-fourth player – level with former Demon and Giant James McDonald – to have played the most games after starting his career on the rookie list. Firrito and his fellow backmen will have a somewhat easier task without suspended Cats forward Tom Hawkins, but they will not be taking anything for granted.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 19 points
