North Melbourne faces one of football's toughest challenges on Saturday afternoon when it travels to Geelong to face the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.

The Roos, who came agonisingly close to knocking off Greater Western Sydney in Canberra, will be out to remain in the top six, while the Cats will be hungry to make amends for a disappointing Round 7.

Round 8, Geelong v North Melbourne
When: Saturday, May 2 at 4.35pm AEST
Where: GMHBA Stadium, Geelong, VIC
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Cats will hope to rebound against the Roos at their fortress after being upset by Port Adelaide 13.17 (95) to 10.5 (65) at Adelaide Oval last weekend.

Alarmingly for Chris Scott's side, they were outgunned all over the park and battered in the clearance count, finding themselves 18 down at the final siren.

But Geelong has had the wood over North Melbourne for the past decade, winning all 14 of the clubs’ meetings since 2015.

On the injury front, the Cats will be without their versatile veteran Mark Blicavs, who picked up a knee injury against the Power.

In the mix

Second-year Roo Matt Whitlock could be among the Kangaroos in selection consideration for the club’s trip to GMHBA Stadium.

The young key forward was again one of the Roos' better VFL performers against the GWS Giants last weekend, kicking two goals to take his season tally to six from four games.

Key defender Charlie Comben will be pushing to prove his fitness for the Geelong game after he was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s clash in Canberra due to illness.

Small forward Zac Banch will also be in the frame for a recall after another strong stint at reserves level.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "Part of it for us is ... how much have we improved? How much are we more competitive? How much are we more difficult to beat? 

"That game last week (against GWS) could've gone either way. We're taking encouragement that some of these benchmark sides of the competition that have been playing finals - we're competing much better with those sides now."

Running hot

After three weeks on the sidelines, Tristan Xerri came back with a bang against the Giants.

In trademark fashion, the star ruck laid a game-high 12 tackles to go with 25 disposals, 25 hitouts and 10 clearances.

The Roos will need him at his best again if they’re to set the tone at the contest on Saturday and take control of the midfield.