SUMMARY
Can North Melbourne repeat last season's upset victory over Hawthorn? The Roos were outstanding in their 20-point victory over the Hawks in round 16 last year but the reigning premiers will be desperate to atone, especially after their loss to Port Adelaide last round. North plays its best football at Saturday night's venue, Etihad Stadium, and its three-pronged attack could stretch Hawthorn's defence given Brian Lake (knee) has joined James Frawley (pectoral) on the sidelines. However, the Hawks have lost consecutive games just twice in the past two home and away seasons and will deservedly start favourites.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, May 2, 7.20pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide

PAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2014, North Melbourne 16.12 (108) d Hawthorn 13.10 (88) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2013, Hawthorn 17.15 (117) d North Melbourne 15.13 (103) at Etihad Stadium
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

THE SIX POINTS
1. North Melbourne dominated possession when the teams met in round 16 last year, winning the disposal count 439-334 and taking 111 marks to Hawthorn's 63.

2. The Hawks are the No.1 team in the AFL for uncontested possessions this season, averaging 261 a game, while the Kangaroos are seventh (237 a game).

3. The Roos' win last season was their first over the Hawks since 2010. Hawthorn has won six of the teams' eight matches since 2009, with six of those games decided by 20 points or less.

4. Hawthorn is the No.1 team for disposals in 2015 (403 a game) and had nearly 60 more than Port Adelaide last Saturday night despite losing.

5. At Etihad Stadium, Hawthorn has a 5-4 head-to-head lead over North and has won four of their past five clashes.

6. The Hawks have the AFL's top two ranked players for disposals in 2015, with Jordan Lewis averaging 36 a game and captain Luke Hodge 32. North skipper Andrew Swallow is the highest-ranked Kangaroo with 26 a game (equal 30th).

IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR…
Ryan Schoenmakers. The tall utility has yet to earn a senior recall, but with Lake and fellow key defender Frawley now both on the sidelines the South Australian is odds-on to come into the backline this round. The Hawks face a big task curbing North talls Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown this week, and Schoenmakers will have to step up to help Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton. Of course, if Schoenmakers is not selected his future at Hawthorn becomes even more clouded.

PREDICTION: Hawthorn by 11 points.