The form

After falling just one game short of a Grand Final birth in 2014, the Kangaroos have enjoyed mixed fortunes this season with two wins and two losses. Brad Scott’s side will be looking for back-to-back wins on Saturday and will be eager to see how they match up against last year’s Premiers.

Alastair Clarkson’s side has also had a mixed run of results so far – currently sitting 7th position on the ladder. The Hawks showed tremendous fight against Port Adelaide in Round 4 and will take their final quarter momentum into Saturday night’s game against the Roos.

 

Recent history

North Melbourne caused an upset against the Hawks with a 20-point victory at Etihad Stadium in Round 16 last season – their first since 2010. Hawthorn has won four of the last five games against North Melbourne and holds a 5-4 head-to-head lead against the Roos at Etihad Stadium.

 

Injuries to test Hawthorn back six

Hawthorn’s defensive stocks have taken a hit after Brian Lake (knee) sustained a medial ligament strain in Saturday’s clash with Port, joining James Frawley (pectoral), Matt Spangher (hamstring) and Kaiden Brand (shoulder) on the club’s injury list. Ryan Schoenmakers looks a likely inclusion for Round 5 but Angus Litherland or Tim’OBrien will also be in the mix.

 

Can Tarrant stop Roughead?

The matchup between North’s Robbie Tarrant and Hawthorn’s Jarryd Roughead seems to be an enticing one. Tarrant was outstanding against Geelong holding key forward Tom Hawkins to just the one major. Whilst Roughead will be looking to bounce back into some form, after he was held goalless for the first time since Round 17 last year.

 

Is North Melbourne’s attack the key to victory?

North Melbourne’s forward line will be hoping to exploit the Hawthorn defence with Ben Brown (200cm), Drew Petrie (197cm) and Jarrad Waite (194cm) possessing height advantages over much of Hawthorn’s backline.

 

Disposal leaders

Hawthorn’s midfield was instrumental in the Hawks courageous fight back against Port Adelaide and will need to again put in a strong performance against the Kangaroos.  North Melbourne won the disposal count last time the sides met but the Hawks are leading the AFL in disposals (403 a game) and have the AFL’s disposal leaders in Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge who are averaging 36 and 32 disposals per game respectively.