Geelong’s midfield will receive a much needed boost for the clash with North Melbourne on Sunday with the return of veteran stars James Kelly and Joel Corey.

Also included in the 25-man squad are Mitch Brown, who starred with 34 possessions and 11 marks in the Cats VFL win last Sunday, Jesse Stringer and draftee Jackson Thurlow.

Jared Rivers (knee) and Jordan Murdoch (hand) will miss the Roos clash.

The Cats squad will be trimmed to 22 on Saturday afternoon.

THE LOW DOWN

SUMMARY: The last time these teams met was early last season, and the game was notable for the way North Melbourne ran the Geelong boys off their legs. This time around much is different. The Cats looked a vastly quicker combination during their round one win over Hawthorn, while the Kangaroos struggled to find their rhythm as they slumped to a disappointing loss against Collingwood. Both sides have tough draws, so early season wins are vital.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday April 7, 1.10pm?

LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2012, North Melbourne 20.11 (131) d Geelong 16.18 (114) at Etihad Stadium ?
R7, 2011, Geelong 19.13 (127) d North Melbourne 9.7 (61) at Simonds Stadium
R14, 2010, Geelong 14.14 (99) d North Melbourne 9.9 (63) at Simonds Stadium
R8, 2009, Geelong 18.11 (119) d North Melbourne 7.7 (49) at Simonds Stadium
R21, 2008, Geelong 17.13 (115) d North Melbourne 13.4 (82) at Simonds Stadium

THE SIX POINTS
1. The Kangaroos' win over Geelong in round three last year was the first time they had beaten the Cats since round five, 2007.
2. This will be the 153rd clash between the sides. Geelong holds a clear advantage, winning 92 times to 59, with one draw.
3. The Cats enjoy an impressive recent record at Etihad Stadium, winning nine of 11 games since 2010.
4. The sides have clashed seven times at Etihad Stadium, with four wins to the Kangaroos and three to the Cats.
5. Twin brothers Chris and Brad Scott have coached again each other only twice in home and away matches so far.

Cats squad:

B: Brown, Lonergan, Enright    
HB: T Hunt, Mackie, Varcoe
C: Christensen, Bartel, Kelly
HF: Duncan, Motlop, Smedts
F: Podsiadly, Hawkins, Taylor
R: West, Selwood, Chapman
IC: Corey, Caddy, Stokes, Horlin-Smith, Thurlow, Stringer, Blicavs