North Melbourne beat Hawthorn in most of the key statistical counts at their last meeting, in round five this season, but fell three points short of an upset win. The Hawks seemed flat in that game, but were extremely sharp in their win against Collingwood last Friday night. The Hawks will be looking to maintain that form as the finals approach and know a win will secure a top-two spot and a home qualifying final. Despite having no more than pride on the line, the 10th-placed Roos will be no pushovers, especially at their home ground. But the Hawks' edge in class should prove decisive.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday August 24, 2.10pm?
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2013, Hawthorn 14.15 (99) d North Melbourne 13.18 (96) at the MCG
R10, 2012, Hawthorn 27.12 (174) d North Melbourne 9.5 (59) at Aurora Stadium
R20, 2011, Hawthorn 15.13 (103) d North Melbourne 13.8 (86) at Aurora Stadium
R5, 2010, North Melbourne 12.10 (82) d Hawthorn 10.10 (70) at Aurora Stadium
R15, 2009, Hawthorn 10.13 (73) d North Melbourne 9.10 (64) at Aurora Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn defeated North Melbourne in a thriller in round five at the MCG, winning by three points. Cyril Rioli kicked four goals for the Hawks, while Lindsay Thomas kicked five for the Kangaroos.
2. Hawks spearhead Lance Franklin enjoys an impressive record against North, having kicked 44 goals in 12 games, including a career-high haul of 13 in round 10, 2012, at Aurora Stadium.
3. Hawthorn is the No. 1 ranked scoring team this season (114.7 points a game), while North Melbourne is fourth (104).
4. Hawthorn has taken the most marks inside 50 in the AFL this year (15.2 a game) and North Melbourne is ranked ninth (12.1).
5. Both teams have been accurate in front of goal this season, with the Hawks ranked first for goalkicking accuracy (54.5 per cent) and the Kangaroos ranked third (52.7).
6. Hawthorn boasts the three highest-ranked players of both teams in the Official AFL Player Ratings, with Sam Mitchell (10th), Cyril Rioli (11th) and Lance Franklin (13th). North's highest-ranked player is veteran Brent Harvey (14th).
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author or the clubs
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday August 24, 2.10pm?
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2013, Hawthorn 14.15 (99) d North Melbourne 13.18 (96) at the MCG
R10, 2012, Hawthorn 27.12 (174) d North Melbourne 9.5 (59) at Aurora Stadium
R20, 2011, Hawthorn 15.13 (103) d North Melbourne 13.8 (86) at Aurora Stadium
R5, 2010, North Melbourne 12.10 (82) d Hawthorn 10.10 (70) at Aurora Stadium
R15, 2009, Hawthorn 10.13 (73) d North Melbourne 9.10 (64) at Aurora Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Hawthorn defeated North Melbourne in a thriller in round five at the MCG, winning by three points. Cyril Rioli kicked four goals for the Hawks, while Lindsay Thomas kicked five for the Kangaroos.
2. Hawks spearhead Lance Franklin enjoys an impressive record against North, having kicked 44 goals in 12 games, including a career-high haul of 13 in round 10, 2012, at Aurora Stadium.
3. Hawthorn is the No. 1 ranked scoring team this season (114.7 points a game), while North Melbourne is fourth (104).
4. Hawthorn has taken the most marks inside 50 in the AFL this year (15.2 a game) and North Melbourne is ranked ninth (12.1).
5. Both teams have been accurate in front of goal this season, with the Hawks ranked first for goalkicking accuracy (54.5 per cent) and the Kangaroos ranked third (52.7).
6. Hawthorn boasts the three highest-ranked players of both teams in the Official AFL Player Ratings, with Sam Mitchell (10th), Cyril Rioli (11th) and Lance Franklin (13th). North's highest-ranked player is veteran Brent Harvey (14th).
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the author or the clubs
