It leaves the last five games before the end of the home and away season of equal importance. If there is to be an appearance in the 2014 finals series, North will likely need to win at least three of the five matches.
In between three games at Etihad Stadium, the Kangaroos will travel twice – to Canberra in Round 20 and Hobart in Round 22.
Round 19 v Geelong, Saturday August 2
Etihad Stadium, 7:40pm EST
In the first meeting between the sides, Geelong shot out to a big half-time lead at Simonds Stadium. Facing a 35-point deficit, North battled back into the game but eventually succumbed by 20 points.
North has not lost two games in a row in 2014; a fact unfortunately in its favour for Round 19’s clash after the last-start defeat by Carlton. It’ll also take heart from the corresponding clash last year where it defeated the Cats by 10 points in a high quality encounter at Etihad.
Geelong will also be returning from a week off. It currently possesses a four-game winning streak and a top-four spot on the AFL ladder.
If North defeats Geelong, the top five sides will have all fallen to the Roos. It would be a remarkable feat considering the side would still sit in sixth place after a victory in Round 19.
Storyline: Can North Melbourne defeat another top side?
Round 20 v GWS Giants, Saturday August 9
StarTrack Oval, 1:45pm EST
For the first time in eight years, North will play a game at StarTrack (formerly Manuka) Oval. Between 1998 and 2006 it was the Roos’ second base, playing 18 games there and winning 11.
Only five North players – Daniel Wells, Andrew Swallow, Drew Petrie, Michael Firrito and Brent Harvey – are still at the club from its most recent game in Canberra; a win over Geelong by 30 points.
While on paper North will enter as favourites against the Giants, it has been these games which have caused the majority of the problems in 2014.
The Kangaroos’ first loss against Gold Coast – the fellow expansion team – came in the Suns’ third season. The Giants are at the same stage of their history.
Storyline: North Melbourne returns to its old home away from home.
Round 21 v Western Bulldogs, Sunday August 17
Etihad Stadium, 1:10pm EST
A look at the recent record between the two clubs shows North with the last three wins, all by at least 29 points, over the Bulldogs. However what the final score line doesn’t show is the tight, contested nature of those games in the first half.
The half time margin of the three games has never exceeded 14 points. With the Bulldogs’ improvement showing in the last four to six weeks, there is every chance the tight half could extend to a full game.
The midfield battle, and in particular contested possessions, will likely be the key. Both sides rank similarly in the statistic. North sits seventh in opposition differential while the Bulldogs are just below in eighth.
Storyline: Who will win the midfield battle?
Round 22 v Adelaide, Saturday August 23
Blundstone Arena, 1:45pm EST
The last time North met Adelaide, it was blown away by the Crows at Adelaide Oval. The 36-point loss is something that the Roos have the chance to rectify in the penultimate round at Blundstone Arena.
The importance of building Blundstone as a fortress will not be lost on North, who will have the opportunity to win its third consecutive game at the venue. It is also an opportunity to rectify a three-game losing streak against the Crows.
With both sides currently sitting on opposite sides of the eight, the match has the potential to act as a mini elimination final. Conversely, if North approaches the game in good form a win against the Crows could lock in a home final for the first time since 2007.
Storyline: Can North snap its losing streak against the Crows?
Round 23 v Melbourne, TBC
Etihad Stadium, TBC
The day and timeslot for the game against the Demons will be decided in the near future. As finals approach, a Saturday afternoon at Etihad would be ideal for the Roos.
However that is assuming they’ve done the work to lock a spot inside the eight. Otherwise there is the potential for a Sunday afternoon, which would mean one of two things:
1. The potential for a six day break leading into the first final
2. Finals being out of reach before the game begins
North possesses a 12-game winning streak over Melbourne, meaning it’ll go into the final round as warm favourites.
Storyline: How will North finish the home and away season?
