North Melbourne’s senior coach, Brad Scott, says his team looks forward to matching up against one of the best sides in the competition.

With the Cats fighting hard to secure a top position for the finals Scott says it will be a great test for the Roos to see where they stand when the heat is on.

“They’re obviously having a great season and they’re looking at making sure of their position up the top of the ladder and we’re really fighting to make sure that we play good footy against the best teams in the comp, which Geelong are no doubt one of those, so it’s a great opportunity for us,” Scott said.

“I expect a cracking match and we’ve had some really good games against them at Etihad Stadium.”

Despite the Kangaroos unfortunate fate this season with 10 losses and seven wins, Scott says the team remains confident, however, they realise the Cats have the tenacity to push them to their limits.  

“We’ve got a level of confidence going in against them but we’ve also seen in the second half last time we played them just how dominant they can be so were going to have to be at our best.”

On Friday night the Kangaroos will focus on driving the ball inside-50, which is something that has become difficult to do against the Cats.
“They kept Melbourne to 19 inside-50s and St Kilda to 25 so we’re going to have to take the most of our scoring opportunities because they’re defending really well,” Scott explained.

Scott says both teams have changed the way they play since their last meeting and he doesn’t expect a similar game to Round 2.

“I think both teams have probably changed a little in style so it’s going to be a challenge. I don’t think the game will unfold like it did last time, they play a little bit differently and we’ve tweaked a few things as well but they’re in ominous form,” Scott said.

Scott admits the Roos startled the Cats last time they met in a way that many clubs haven’t.

“I don’t think too many teams do that to Geelong but it counted for nothing at the end because they got over the line against us.”

It’s been 16 rounds since the two teams came face-to-face at Etihad Stadium. Scott says this time round the Roos will have to lift their pressure in defence if they want to challenge the Cats at their own game.

I think we’ve got to defend better against them because I still see them as the best offensive team in the comp but you look at their inside-50 numbers and how hard it is for the opposition to score against them, they’re starting to match their offence with a very good defence.”