North Melbourne will use its recent experience against Sydney to prepare for a blockbuster clash against Geelong this week, Drew Petrie says.

The Swans’ intercept marking was a feature in the team’s clash a fortnight ago, and the key-forward says the Roos need composure going forward to avoid a repeat.

“If we bomb away Saturday night against Geelong, then they’ll take intercept grabs,” Petrie told RSN.

“It’s been a feature of their games for years; (Corey) Enright coming off his direct opponent, (Andrew) Mackie coming off the direct opponent, Harry Taylor and the list goes on. They’ve got Lachie Henderson back there now, so they’ve got lots of blokes with ability.”

Petrie said the Cats’ return to form in their win over Greater Western Sydney made them a tough prospect on Saturday night.

“That was a pretty evenly poised game and Geelong … they didn’t dominate, but they just looked like the Cats that we’ve seen probably from earlier parts of the year.

“Geelong/North games have been really good over the last five years, ever since Brad (Scott) and Chris (Scott) entered the domain of coaching.”

North has won its past three matches against the Cats, including a 41-point victory when the sides met in Round 15 of last year.

Geelong is set to be without key-forward Tom Hawkins, who accepted a one-match ban for striking on Tuesday.

The Roos are eyeing their 11th victory of the season in Saturday’s battle at Etihad Stadium.