North Melbourne will head to the Gabba on Saturday with a dominant recent record over its opponent, the Brisbane Lions.

The Kangaroos have won five consecutive matches against the Lions, making it their current longest active winning streak in the competition, having not lost since Round 15, 2014.

North has also managed to post scores of 100-plus in each of these last five encounters, which has translated into some big wins.

The Roos’ recent wins have all come handsomely, with the last five games ending with an average margin of 58.6 points in favour of the boys in blue and white.

This also due to an impressive defensive record, with North averaging just 77.4 points against in the last five matches at the Gabba. 

In 2018, the Lions have averaged 87.6 points at the Gabba, so the Roos will be hoping to continue their defensive dominance.

The Gabba hasn’t historically been a happy hunting ground for the Roos, however, with the Lions having a 13-7 record at the venue since entering the competition.

However, in recent years North can claim bragging rights in Queensland as well in Victoria, having won the last three in the sunshine state. 

Jarrad Waite’s return is exciting news for North, with the veteran forward having kicked 12 goals in three games against the Lions during the active streak.

Waite’s partner in crime, and current Coleman Medal leader, Ben Brown, also has a strong recent record against Brisbane, kicking 18 goals in the last five games, highlighted by a haul of seven in Round 23 of last year.

While Waite’s return promises goals, North will have to find a way to replace the influence of Shaun Higgins, who will be out after undergoing minor knee surgery on Monday.

Higgins has been North’s leading disposal-getter in the last five games against the Lions, averaging nearly 27 disposals a game, with a 38-disposal performance in Round 11 one of the finest of his career.