GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE
Skilled Stadium, Sunday, August 24, 1.10pm
Head to head Geelong 87 North Melbourne 58 Drawn 1
Last time Geelong 19.13 (127) bt North Melbourne 17.12 (114) R11 2008, Telstra Dome
Betting TABSportsbet Geelong $1.15 North Melbourne $5 Centrebet Geelong $1.16 North Melbourne $5.25

Geelong
Backs: Harley Scarlett Mackie
Half-backs: Milburn Hunt Enright
Centres: Kelly Rooke Bartel
Half-forwards: S Johnson Mooney G Ablett
Forwards: Blake Lonergan Stokes
Followers: Ottens Ling
Rover: Corey
Interchange: From: Byrnes Selwood Taylor Chapman Prismall Gamble Varcoe
In: Milburn Chapman Scarlett
Out: Nil

North Melbourne
Backs: Urquhart Hansen Gibson
Half-backs: Pratt Watt Firrito
Centres: Wells Simpson Harding
Half-forwards: Harvey Hale Campbell
Forwards: Thomas N Thompson Grant
Followers: Petrie Harris
Rover: Rawlings
Interchange: From: McIntosh Lower Power Sinclair Jones S Thompson McMahon
In: McIntosh Lower N Thompson S Thompson
Out: Brown

Summary On form the Kangaroos are the second best side in the competition. They have rocketed to fourth on the ladder on the back of six straight wins, more than any other side except their opponent this week, Geelong, who have 11 won on the run. Heart and a refusal to relinquish intensity drag North over the line a lot of the time but they will probably need more than that this time. Like talent. And class. The Cats have that to spare and the outcome of this clash will almost certainly give a glimpse into the validity of North's flag bid. Geelong have had the ability to sail past the opposition due to their remarkable depth but this week will be boosted by the return of star defenders Matthew Scarlett and Darren Milburn, along with busy midfielder Paul Chapman. It's a lot for the Roos to deal with.

Key Whether North are capable of playing above themselves. The difference was only 13 points Geelong's way in round 11, so a little improvement could go a long way.

Tip Geelong by 20 points