Geelong will look to continue their push for a top four place when they head down to Hobart to take on a much-improved North Melbourne outfit.
North Melbourne (2-16, 65.3%) have found some form in recent times and threatened to knock off Carlton last week, eventually going down by 19 points.
Meanwhile, Geelong (11-7, 106.8%) were very disappointing against the Bulldogs in round 19, going down by 47 points, ending a run of three consecutive wins.
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The Roos have not beaten Geelong in their past 12 meetings, dating way back to 2016.
North Melbourne will be without injured trio Colby McKercher, Zac Fisher and Eddie Ford, which opens the door for the return of Jaidyn Stephenson, Will Phillips and Zane Duursma.
Geelong have received a big boost in the form of Tanner Bruhn, Shannon Neale and Jed Bews, but will be without veteran Zach Tuohy (managed) for the clash. Mitch Knevitt and Brandan Parfitt have been omitted.
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There were no late changes, with Zane Duursma (North Melbourne) and Ted Clohesy (Geelong) named the starting subs.
The Roos struck first blood after a stirring chain of play and great team goal finished by skipper Jy Simpkin.
“They’re getting out the front, forward handballs providing a real challenge for Geelong,” Roos legend David King noted on Fox Footy.
North kicked the next two goals including another slick play where Harry Sheezel delivered a classy handball to Cam Zurhaar, who goaled from distance after a furious “leggy” (leg spin) bounce, as put by Fox Footy pundits.
“Fast start, real problems her for Geelong. Their lack of speed looks an issue at the moment, they’re being exposed,” King added.
The Cats struck back with the next two goals including a clever snap finish from Tyson Stengle as Chris Scott’s side steadied into the game.
Tom Stewart was crucial to that turnaround, with King declaring North had to put attention into the Cats superstar.
Rotating between midfield and defence, Stewart ran amok in the first term with nine disposals, four contested, and four marks.
Geelong led 3.4 922) to 3.1 (9) at the first break.
“This man is causing all sorts of headaches in the North Melbourne coaches box … he’s dominating,” Saints great Leigh Montagna said of Stewart on Fox Footy.
King added: “I think it’s time to tag, nine disposals is out of control. He’s doing it on both fronts (midfield and defence).”
It was goal for goal early in the third term in an intriguing midfield battle as the contest got back to an even ledger.
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Source Agencies
