Geelong coach Chris Scott will put a large focus on North’s midfield in a bid to minimise the impact of the Roos’ on-ballers.
North rank third in average contested possessions, and the Cats know if it neglects that aspect of its opponents game, it could prove costly.
“They are certainly strong around the contest and apply great pressure,” Chris Scott said.
“Now the opposition applies pretty good pressure to them as well, which indicates that most of their games have been pretty tight.
“By definition if games are really tight and congested, when the ball gets away from that congestion, there tends to be a lot of space.
“Atley, Macmillan and Williams behind the ball, and a few others, that can really cut you up if you prioritise getting inside the contest and give them space on the outside.
“We know if Goldstein plays well, and Cunnington and Higgins slaughter us on the inside, we’re probably going to lose.”
The man main on Geelong’s radar ahead of Saturday’s clash is reigning Syd Barker Medallist Shaun Higgins, who has had an outstanding season to date.
The 30-year-old is coming off the back of a personal-best number of disposals, 38, against the Lions on Saturday, but Scott is refusing to throw all his eggs in one basket.
“He’s in career-best form,” he said.
“We’ve always thought he was really, really good player.
“The challenge always is to do everything you can to limit an individual's influence on the game without completely pulling apart what you’re trying to do, and hopefully the opposition are thinking the same thing with some of our midfielders.
“I actually think it’s quite disrespectful for people say Brisbane let Higgins do what he liked.
“Sometimes good players play well, and sometimes when you don’t see the plan that isn’t being executed that well, doesn’t mean there isn’t one.”
Ben Cunnington is the other threat that the Cats won’t overlook.
“If you focused so much on Higgins, you’ll let Cunnington do what he wants,” Scott added.
“I can mount an argument to say Cunnington’s the best inside player in the comp at the moment.
“We can’t let him do what he wants either.”
