While North Melbourne may have the ‘home’ match this weekend and clearly enjoys playing at Etihad Stadium, no side has a better record than its opponent Geelong.

Now in its 15th season, Etihad has hosted almost 700 games and the Cats have won 53 of their 80 matches there; a strike rate of 66.3 per cent. North on the other hand has played 152 for 88 wins at 57.9 per cent and sits fourth on the ladder of most successful clubs at the venue.

The Age’s Rohan Connolly says while Geelong is in the box seat, North should be confident this weekend.

“And what gives Saturday’s already important game a little extra spice is the fact the Roos have in recent times been the only side to trouble Geelong there,” Connolly said.

“The Cats have lost just three of their last 18 games at Etihad. Two of them were to North Melbourne, and their only other clash with the Kangaroos at the ground in that period produced arguably their narrowest escape, a four-point win in round two last season.”

Many will remember that match – with North in control and the roof controversially left open, the rain poured in and turned the contest on its head. A free kick to Jimmy Bartel followed by a 50-metre penalty late in the game got Geelong over the line in the unlikeliest of victories.

“The Kangaroos’ 57.9 per cent win rate at Etihad is second only to St Kilda of the tenant clubs, the Saints, even after a couple of years anchored near the foot of the ladder with a winning record of 58.1 per cent,” Connolly added.

“And given the next scheduled clash between North and Geelong is between two sides with a liking for the venue and needing to keep winning to stay competitive in the top eight, you’d have short odds on another tight one come Saturday evening.”