The emerging rivalry
Ahead of Friday night's game the players share their views on the emerging rivalry with the Roos
The competition has been tightening up between the Scott brothers and over the last three clashes the Cats have endured two losses after meeting the Roos.
Last time the two clubs met in Round 19 2013, the Cats were unable to take the front seat and North Melbourne pocketed a 10-point win.
The game before that, the Cats had redeemed their 2012 loss to the Roos with a close victory of four points at Etihad Stadium.
Cats defender, Harry Taylor, concedes their recent battles against the Roos has been an increasing contest. With that, Taylor believes it’s time to blow out the rivalry flame and regain control before it gets too hot.
“When you talk about modern day rivals, they’re one that I certainly feel we need to get back on top of,” Taylor told Cats TV.
“Well last year was one all and the one game we did win was only just - with a pretty late goal from Jimmy Bartel.
“Even the year before that they pushed us pretty hard and it’s a rivalry that’s becoming pretty popular.
“I know that with the two (brothers) coaches – that’s where it stems from to a degree at a media point of view but us as players certainly feel as though they’re playing well against us of late and it’s time for us to start winning a few more of those games"
According to young buck, Cameron Guthrie, the Roos have been able to present the Cats with a fight that’s just as ferocious as a top ladder contender.
“The last few years their ladder position hasn’t really reflected the way they’ve come out and played against us,” Guthrie said.
This Friday night at Simonds Stadium, Guthrie is set to take on the Roos to bring their best brand of footy.
“Brad Scott has just got them going really really well and they’ve got some good players coming through, so every time we come against them they always give us a tough time – we’ll expect that again this year.”
Click on the video above to hear the views from more players on Cats TV.