GEELONG has defeated a courageous North Melbourne by 12 points in their round three NAB Cup match at Simonds Stadium, but the margin was not enough to propel the Cats above Carlton and into the pre-season Grand Final.

The Cats led by 21 points two minutes into the third quarter, fell six points behind early in the last term, then rebounded to defeat the previously unbeaten Kangaroos 0.14.12 (96) to 0.12.12 (84).

Veteran midfielder Paul Chapman was the hero for the winners. He was the leading possession-getter on the field with 22 and also spearheaded his team's victory by kicking three goals in the final quarter.

It was a brilliant turnaround for the 31-year after he had to be subbed out of Geelong's round two victory over Adelaide due to quad soreness.

Burly sharp-shooter Tom Hawkins, who had an entertaining duel with North defender Scott Thompson, also booted three majors, while Joel Selwood, James Kelly and Steve Johnson led the way in the midfield.

Brad Scott's men were gutsy to say the least. Having played in oppressive conditions in Townsville a week ago, they were forced to again confront extreme heat.

The temperature was 37 degrees at the first bounce, hovered around 36 for most of the match, and was still 34.8 when the final siren sounded.

As a result, both teams were allowed six men on the bench (no subs) and the cap of 80 interchanges was lifted.

North finished the game with 126 rotations, while the Cats tallied 103.

Small forward Lindsay Thomas was impressive in attack for the Kangaroos, booting three goals, while Ryan Bastinac, Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell won plenty of the ball in the midfield.

Roos skipper Andrew Swallow appeared to roll his ankle during the third quarter, but he returned and finished with a team-high 19 touches.

Emerging giant Daniel Currie did his chances of playing in round one no harm. He toiled manfully against Geelong youngsters Josh Walker and Mark Blicavs, winning 39 hit-outs and gathering 11 possessions.

GEELONG                       0.3.6 0.8.6 0.10.8 0.14.12 (96)
NORTH MELBOURNE  0.3.2 0.6.2 0.10.8 0.12.12 (84)

GOALS
Geelong: Chapman 3, Hawkins 3, Murdoch 2, Motlop 2, Walker 2, Selwood, Varcoe
North Melbourne: Thomas 3, Daw, Petrie, Black, Adams, Bastinac, Swallow, Harper, Hansen, Ziebell

BEST
Geelong: Johnson, Selwood, Kelly, Hawkins, Murdoch, Walker, Corey
North Melbourne: Swallow, Cunnington, Ziebell, Thomas, Currie

INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
North Melbourne: Swallow (ankle)
 
Reports: Nil

Umpires: Rosebury, Ryan, Harris, Gleeson

Official crowd: TBA at Simonds Stadium