GEELONG will be out to maintain its position in the top eight when it faces North Melbourne at the Gabba in the first of a Wednesday night double-header.

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Following the game, the Crows will attempt to break their season duck when they host Melbourne at Adelaide Oval from 7.40pm ACST (8.10pm AEST). 

The Cats fell short in a thriller against the Eagles last Saturday, but have little time to lick their wounds as they continue the brutal stretch of the games.

The clash against the Roos is the first of three games in nine days and with matches against top-four sides St Kilda and Port Adelaide to follow, the Cats will be desperate to bank the four points in this one.

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In response to the fixture cram, coach Chris Scott rested Jake Kolodjashnij, Gary Rohan, Esava Ratugolea and Brandan Parfitt.

Skipper Joel Selwood is among the inclusions, along with ruckman Rhys Stanley and former Saint Jack Steven. 

North Melbourne carries good form into the clash after snapping its six-game losing streak with a 69-point win over Adelaide last week.

Ben Brown and Jared Polec return after they were dropped for the Crows clash, while debutant Lachie Hosie and Will Walker are in for their first games of the season.

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Nick Larkey, Luke Davies-Uniacke and Kyron Hayden have all been managed, while Curtis Taylor is out with a  knee injury.

The Roos will be back in action on Sunday against Melbourne before rounding off their tough stretch against Brisbane next Saturday.