For the first time this season, Geelong will be without its number one forward in Tom Hawkins, but North’s Scott Thompson says it won’t affect his team’s preparation.
“It’s a big loss for them with their main forward coming out, but they’ve got people like (Rhys) Stanley and (Shane) Kersten who are obviously going to step up and play a role for them,” Thompson explained to NMFC.com.au.
“It changes that one matchup, but as a defensive group we’ll still do the same preparation and prepare to have a good fight.”
With Stanley and Kersten likely to shoulder the majority of the marking load closer to Geelong’s goal, it creates a different dynamic for North’s defensive group.
“They’re very athletic,” Thompson admitted.
“They’ve got some good pace and some good height so you have to be on your toes because they’re good contested marks and on the lead.
“We’ll do our homework on them and make sure we’re all over it. Hopefully our back six or seven can really stay strong.”
Aaron Mullett is the one change to North’s back six, coming into the side for the injured Sam Wright.
The 24-year-old showed promising signs in his three games between Rounds 7-9, and Thompson believes it’s a sign of how North’s list is progressing.
“Fishy was playing good footy before he went out, so he comes back in.
“The depth puts (good) pressure on those playing AFL. You want to step up and play a good game because otherwise you’re out of the team.”
Watch the full interview in the video player at the top of the page
