North Melbourne has fallen to a 33-point loss to Geelong at the Gabba.

The Roos were within 15 points with five minutes remaining in the game, but three late goals to the Cats inflicted further damage on the scoreboard.

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North's hopes were hurt in the first term, when recalled key forward Ben Brown suffered a knee injury that ended his night, and Geelong took advantage.

They were 18 points ahead at half-time but could have been further after a wasteful display around goal, however, they controlled the contest to run out comfortable victors.

Jy Simpkin was among North's best with 25 disposals, eight clearances and a goal, while Shaun Higgins' composure stood out on occasion.

Jed Anderson again set the tone in the contest, and finished with 22 touches, Trent Dumont battled hard, with Ben McKay and Bailey Scott the best of the Roos' younger brigade.  

Majak Daw showed some encouraging signs in his second game back, giving his midfielders first use during his time in the ruck. 

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Brown's bad return
After coming back into North Melbourne's line-up following his axing last week, it wasn't the type of return Brown hoped for. The Kangaroos spearhead was out of the game midway through the first term after being crunched in a heavy tackle at the top of the goalsquare. Brown grabbed for his left (already heavily strapped) knee before hobbling from the field and immediately ruled out for the game. 

Hosie's fast start
Debutant Lachie Hosie has had to wait for his chance at AFL level, but once he cracked into the Kangaroos' side he wasted little time to make an impact. The tenacious forward booted two goals in the opening quarter from close range to give some bite to the Roos' forward mix, converting two shots with ease. The 23-year-old, who joined the Roos as a mid-season rookie pick last year, put in a solid showing and did enough to hold his spot in North's forward half. 

GEELONG 4.2  5.8  8.11 13.12 (90)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.1 3.2 5.2  9.3 (57)??

GOALS?
Geelong: Miers 4, Hawkins 3, Z.Guthrie 2, Duncan, Menegola, Simpson, Stanley
North Melbourne: Hosie 2, Daw, Hall, Mahony, Polec, Scott, Simpkin, Walker

BEST?
Geelong: C.Guthrie, Miers, Hawkins, Fogarty, Stanley, Z.Guthrie
North Melbourne: Simpkin, Higgins, Anderson, Dumont, Tarrant

INJURIES?
Geelong: Nil
North Melbourne: Brown (left knee), Daw (ankle), Pittard (ankle)