The Stats Zone
August 9 2019, 15:48 · Ash Wheldon

2019 AFL – Geelong vs North Melbourne Preview & Prediction

2019 AFL – Geelong vs North Melbourne Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS

When is Geelong vs North Melbourne taking place? Saturday 10th August – 10:25 (UK) / 19:25 (AEST)

Where is Geelong vs North Melbourne taking place? GMHBA Stadium, South Geelong

What television channel is Geelong vs North Melbourne on? BT Sport ESPN in UK / Channel 7/Foxtel in Australia

Where can I stream Geelong vs North Melbourne? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match live via the BT Sport website or app in the UK / This match can be streamed live via the AFL Live app in Australia

Where can I get tickets for Geelong vs North Melbourne? https://www.afl.com.au/tickets

THE TEAM NEWS

GEELONG

  • Geelong Cats’ inconsistent form continued as their W-L running sequence extended to an eighth game with defeat against Fremantle Dockers in their last game as their grip on the minor premiership slipped again.
  • The Cats ended Round 20 level on points with the two teams below them at the top of the ladder and must attempt to put a winning run together in order to claim top spot, something they have been favourites to win for a long time.
  • Jordan Clark and Gary Rohan suffered injuries last week whilst Scott Selwood and Lachie Henderson are both dropped with all four missing out here and they are replaced by Harry Taylor, Brandan Parfitt, Luke Dahlhaus and Quinton Narkie.

NORTH MELBOURNE

  • North Melbourne Kangaroos ended their three-match losing streak as they edged out Hawthorn Hawks last week and will be hoping to back that up as they face top of the ladder Geelong Cats.
  • The Kangaroos bounced back from a slow start to take the lead in which they found themselves 1-28 down early on but they performed admirably, showing great character to eventually run out comfortable 86-64 winners.
  • North Melbourne make two changes to last week’s team with one of those enforced as Luke Davies-Uniacke picked up an injury whilst Sam Durdin is dropped and that sees Jed Anderson return following a good display in the VFL last week with Shaun Atley also back from a knee injury.

THE PREDICTION

Geelong need to find some consistency to their game ahead of the finals and more immediately if they want to claim the minor premiership. They have topped the ladder for much of the season but their poor form of late has seen the chasing pack close them down. If their W-L sequence continues for a ninth game here then they will get the win but if they do, they must kick-on and build on that to take some form into the finals. The Kangaroos will pose a threat and if they play with the freedom they did last week they can win this, but the home side should be able to get over the line in this one.