North Melbourne snapped a hoodoo last Thursday night against the Western Bulldogs, and will look to do the same when it meets the finals-bound Cats at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

It marks a historic day for the club as we host our very first AFL/W double-header at Marvel Stadium against Geelong.

It's our final men's home game for the home and away season as well as our first women's game of the year, so there are plenty of reasons to be there!

See the 2025 AFLW premiership flag unfurled on the ground between the games, plus it's Member Appreciation Round so there'll be heaps of prizes and giveaways to thank you all for your support throughout the year.

If you haven't already, grab an AFLW membership from just $39 for access to the double-header game, plus more matches at Arden Street this year, and to make you eligible for all the member fun on the day.

When: Saturday, August 15; AFLW at 1pm AEST, AFL at 3.45pm AEST
Where: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, VIC 
Gates open: 12.15pm
Member access: Scan in for access to both games using your mobile membership via the NMFC app, or by using your barcoded membership card.

The opposition

Geelong continued its fight to secure a top-six spot last weekend, brushing aside the Bombers to claim a 67-point victory at home.

Bailey Smith was prolific, winning 38 disposals to boost his season average to 32.2 per game, while Oliver Henry and Oliver Dempsey booted four goals apiece in the slippery conditions.

Patrick Dangerfield is expected to play having missed the Cats' past two outings, but guns Jeremy Cameron (shoulder) and Max Holmes (ankle) won't feature against the Kangaroos.

Running hot

It was an immense performance from superstar midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke against the Bulldogs.

Determined to will his side over the line on the Thursday night stage, 'LDU' notched 31 disposals, 10 clearances and 10 tackles to go along with two goals, one coming in the clutch when he out-marked Bailey Williams and converted his set shot.

The Roos will need another standout effort from their premier midfielder if they're to head into the final round of the season on a two-game win streak.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson post-game v Western Bulldogs: "I'm so proud of the group that we're able to respond when the pressure was at its most fierce. A big stage and we were finally able to win one of these games. Just really proud because our players and our coaching staff and club have been doing a lot of heavy lifting, and to finally get some reward, it was a pretty special feeling in the rooms after the game."

Last time we met

Geelong extended its winning streak against North Melbourne back in Round 8, defeating the Kangaroos by 49 points thanks to a nine-goal final quarter at GMHBA Stadium.

The Roos trailed by 17 points at three-quarter time and looked to be right in the contest when Jack Darling floated home a major to kick-off the fourth term, but the Cats responded with the next five goals to put the result beyond doubt.

Despite conceding the opening four goals of the contest, Alastair Clarkson's side showed plenty of resolve to fight back and managed to take the lead immediately after half-time.