The Kangaroos return to Blundstone Arena in Hobart for a tasty meeting with Geelong on Saturday.

After giving second-placed Carlton a scare in Round 19, North Melbourne will be eyeing a potential upset against the experienced Cats.

Round 20, North Melbourne v Geelong
Where: Blundstone Arena, Hobart, TAS
When: Saturday, July 27 at 1.45pm AEST
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

A gruelling Saturday night against the Western Bulldogs ended the Cats' three-game winning streak, ensuring they will be hungry to bounce back in Hobart.

With heavy rain saturating GMHBA Stadium, they were held goalless in a first quarter at their home ground for the first time under coach Chris Scott, and found themselves outmuscled as the Bulldogs ran out 47-point winners. 

The loss leaves them sixth on the ladder, with plenty to play for in a tight finals race. For the Roos, Saturday represents an opportunity to show how far they have come since round five, when the sides last met and Geelong cantered to a 75-point win on home turf.

What the coaches have said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson, post-game v Carlton: "Carlton were second on the ladder and a formidable opponent, but we played some good footy to really serve it up to them. The bounce of the ball, a decision here or there and it could've been a very different result. It was a three-goal margin at the end but it was an arm-wrestle from go to woah. It's a real credit to our lads that we were able to hold in there for the fight."

Geelong senior coach Chris Scott, post-game v Western Bulldogs: "I thought it was an uncharacteristic performance. If that happens regularly, you just become a bad team. I don’t think that’s us at the moment. Really late in the game we opened it up and tried to score, and then you look really bad when that doesn’t come off. We’ll do our best not to drop our bundle."

In the mix

Jaidyn Stephenson put himself in contention for an AFL return with a standout performance in the reserves last weekend. Playing off half-back, he racked up 30 touches in challenging conditions, including 12 intercept possessions, and 11 marks.

Young forward Blake Drury also made his case for a recall to the senior side, kicking three of the Roos' five goals in the wet-weather tussle against Box Hill.

Will Phillips and Hugh Greenwood did their chances no harm with solid outings in midfield against the Hawks. 

In-form Roo

Harry Sheezel

Both Clarkson and Carlton coach Michael Voss judged North Melbourne's emerging superstar the best afield in last weekend's clash at Marvel Stadium.

Sheezel earned a maximum 10 coaches for his 34 touches and two goals against the Blues in further evidence of his growing impact on games since being redeployed as a midfield and front half gamechanger.

His hot form has him within sight of a 90-year record, should he go on to take out his second Syd Barker Medal at the season's close.