The Kangaroos will be looking to back up last weekend's spirited showing against Collingwood when they meet Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Round 19, North Melbourne v Melbourne
When: Saturday, July 18 at 4.15pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, VIC
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Demons continued their impressive run at the MCG, shrugging off Richmond to claim a ninth straight win at the venue and 11th victory for the season.

Spearhead Jacob Van Rooyen was again on song, equaling his career high of six goals to back up his haul of five against Hawthorn the previous week.

Steven King’s group now sits sixth on the ladder and is well in the hunt for a top four spot.

Melbourne could receive a forward-line boost with Bayley Fritsch and Harrison Petty both a chance to return to the line-up.

In the mix

The Roos will need to make at least one change at the selection table, with Tom Blamires (concussion) set to miss.

Midfielder Bailey Scott shapes as a potential inclusion, following another standout performance in the VFL. Scott put in a tireless shift playing on the ball against the Magpies, finishing with a game-high 43 disposals including nine inside 50s and six clearances.

Mid-season draftee Ollie Griffin (three goals, 12 disposals, two contested marks) also did well for the reserves, presenting strongly as a forward.

Defender Josh Goater and forward Jacob Konstanty were both managed last weekend and could be recalled.

Running hot

Ruck Tristan Xerri rediscovered the form that saw him on the verge of making the 2025 All-Australian squad against the Pies.

The star tall was back at his best, finishing with 32 hitouts, 22 disposals, seven tackles, five clearances, and a goal that saw him take the ball out of the ruck and fake right before slotting it on his non-preferred foot.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson post-game v Collingwood: "It was a contest from start to finish and a game of key moments. We were just unable to capitalise on the chances we had. We missed some golden chances, whether that was our goalkicking conversion or our connection going across the (50m) arc. We still took 15 or 16 inside 50 marks, so we connected enough to be able to kick a score."