GEELONG has won seven of its past nine games but its most recent win against a top-eight team came in round 10 against its opponent this Saturday night, North Melbourne. Although this makes the Cats' form hard to gauge, North's 2014 form is harder to read than James Joyce's Ulysses. If the Roos that defeated Hawthorn in round 16 turn up against the Cats, we will have a cracking contest on our hands. But if the Roos that were so lacklustre against Carlton in round 18 turn up, the Cats should cruise to a comfortable win. Unfortunately for Geelong, North has generally been at its best against the best sides this year.

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday August 2, 7.40pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R10, 2014, Geelong 16.15 (111) d North Melbourne 13.13 (91) at Simonds Stadium
R19, 2013, North Melbourne 15.6 (96) d Geelong 13.8 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2013, Geelong 16.16 (112) d North Melbourne 17.6 (108) at Etihad Stadium
R3, 2012, North Melbourne 20.11 (131) d Geelong 16.18 (114) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2011, Geelong 19.13 (127) d North Melbourne 9.7 (61) at Simonds Stadium

Want to watch the game LIVE? Click here for your free trial of AFL Live Pass

THE SIX POINTS
1. In the Cats' win over the Kangaroos earlier this season, Tom Hawkins kicked four goals and veterans James Kelly and Jimmy Bartel starred with 33 and 32 possessions respectively. Brent Harvey was North's best with 33 touches.

2. North has a 5-4 edge over Geelong in their games at Etihad Stadium, but the Cats have won four of the teams' past six clashes at the Docklands venue.

3. Geelong is ranked 18th for goalkicking accuracy this season (46.3 per cent), while the Roos are ranked 15th (47.9 per cent).

4. Since round 10, the Cats have won six of eight games but all of those wins came against teams outside the top eight, with their two losses coming against teams in the eight at the time.

5. North is ranked second in disposal efficiency in 2014 (73.7 per cent), while Geelong is ranked sixth (72.5 per cent).

6. The teams boast two of the top five ranked players in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Geelong skipper Joel Selwood is ranked No. 3 overall, while North star Brent Harvey is ranked No. 5.

Prediction: Geelong by 11 points