SUMMARY
Halfway through a tough six-game stretch, the jury's out where North Melbourne sits in the AFL's pecking order, but that should become clearer after Friday night's blockbuster clash with Hawthorn. The Roos suffered their second loss in the past three weeks when they played Geelong, although injuries to key players – including concussion to skipper Andrew Swallow – were a factor. While North (10-2) is still clinging to top spot with a one-game buffer, the chasing pack is hot on the Kangas' heels and Hawthorn could overtake the League leaders with a victory. While the Hawks still aren't at their best, last round's 108-point belting of undermanned Essendon was closer to a four-quarter performance. At 9-3, another win would put Alastair Clarkson's men firmly in the frame for a top-four spot ahead of a historic flag tilt.
It looms as a big week for Jack Ziebell against Hawthorn's gun midfielders. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, June 17, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R5, 2015, Hawthorn 19.16 (130) d North Melbourne 10.10 (70) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Hawks dominated the Kangaroos across the field the last time they met with 409-359 disposals, 125-93 marks, 35-20 scoring shots, 60-40 inside 50s and 12 goals to six after half-time. Sam Mitchell was best on ground with 33 disposals.
2. Hawthorn has had the better of North Melbourne recently, winning seven of the last nine matches including three by more than 50 points.
3. The teams have met at Etihad Stadium 10 times, with six wins to four in the Hawks' favour - including five of the last six.
4. Both teams pack a punch offensively, with the Hawks averaging 102 points (fourth in the AFL) compared to the Roos' 100, and are almost equally solid defensively, with Hawthorn conceding slightly more points (86.5, seventh) than North (80.7, sixth).
5. The Kangaroos are ranked third for centre clearances (14.2 per game), although the injury-hit midfield was smashed 20-8 by Geelong at restarts last Saturday night.
6. Underrated North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan is rocketing up the Schick AFL Player Ratings. The 24-year-old has climbed from 323rd overall at the end of last season to 185th – one spot shy of his career-best rating.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jack Ziebell.
With skipper Andrew Swallow (concussion) under a cloud, Ziebell could step up to the captaincy and the Roos will need a typically fierce performance from the hard-at-it midfielder against Hawthorn's experienced onball division.
PREDICTION: Hawthorn by two points
