North Melbourne's first win of the year came in Round 2. Things are now set to go up a few notches as the club takes on Geelong; a side it hasn’t beaten since early in 2007. kangaroos.com.au has all the talking points covered.

1. Form

North Melbourne

Round 2: Defeated GWS by 129 points; 28.15.183 to 8.6.54
Round 1: Lost to Essendon by 2 points; 15.12.102 to 14.20.104

North Melbourne bounced back from its loss to Essendon in the best possible way, putting the game out of the Giants' reach by quarter time at Blundstone Arena. From there the Roos were able to secure a massive percentage boost which could prove crucial in the latter stages of the season.

Geelong

Round 2: Defeated Hawthorn by 2 points; 14.8.92 to 13.12.90
Round 1: Lost to Fremantle by 4 points; 15.11.101 to 16.9.105

Also responding after a loss in the first round, Geelong staged an epic comeback to defeat Hawthorn for the seventh successive time since the 2008 Grand Final. Led by Jimmy Bartel and Joel Selwood, the Cats kicked four unanswered goals in the final quarter to run out victors by just two-points.

2. Last time they met

Round 7, 2011

North Melbourne 3.3 (21), 5.5 (35), 8.5 (53), 9.7 (61)
Geelong 4.4 (28), 10.5 (65), 16.11 (107), 19.13 (127)

In the first Scott versus Scott match, it was Chris’ side that took the spoils at Simonds Stadium. Coming off the bye, Geelong was well rested and used a six goal second quarter as the impetus for the 66-point win. Joel Selwood took the three Brownlow votes with 32 disposals while Brady Rawlings led North Melbourne, also with 32 possessions.

3. Blast from the past

Round 11, 2008

North Melbourne 3.2 (20), 10.4 (64), 15.7 (97), 17.12 (114)
Geelong 7.0 (42), 11.6 (72), 17.7 (109), 19.13 (127)

2008 was the last time the teams met away from Simonds Stadium. Geelong, the reigning premiers, were expected to win by a long way but was shocked by a resilient Kangaroos’ outfit.

In an enthralling game, North Melbourne stuck with Geelong the entire way and in the end, it was only a career high seven goals from Cameron Mooney that allowed the Cats to escape with the win.

4. Dream Team watch

North Melbourne

Liam Anthony

One of many who racked up monster numbers against GWS, Anthony is averaging 106-points after two rounds. His ability to find lots of the ball has him in line for a substantial price rise at the conclusion of the game against Geelong. It may be a case of hopping on now before it's too late.

Geelong

Jimmy Bartel

The new captain Joel Selwood may be making the headlines, but Jimmy Bartel has been toiling away in the shadows and has started to put together some monster numbers. 224-points from the first two rounds makes him the highest Geelong scorer so far this season. In Bartel's last nine games against North Melbourne, he has never had less than 22 possessions.

5. Returning to action

North Melbourne

Jack Ziebell

With his three match suspension finally served, Ziebell's return will be an immeasurable boost to the North midfield. In Ziebell's two career matches against the Cats he's collected 12 possessions but he did break his leg in one of those games.

Geelong

Orren Stephenson

A late withdrawal from the side to take on Hawthorn with a virus, Stephenson's possible inclusion will boost Geelong’s ruck stocks. The 29-year old rookie is familiar with a number of North Melbourne players through his time at North Ballarat and he'll look to put that to good use.

6. Missing in action

North Melbourne

Lindsay Thomas

A shoulder injury suffered in the match against GWS has Thomas under an injury cloud. Despite being held well by Cat Josh Hunt in previous meetings, Thomas’ absence could be a big blow for North.

Geelong

Matthew Scarlett

The Cats veteran is serving the second week of his suspension for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne and is a big loss for the Geelong backline. It means Harry Taylor and Andrew Mackie have to be more accountable.

7. Midfield battles

In Round 1 against Essendon, the North midfield struggled with Essendon’s spread from stoppages. They bounced back last week against GWS, yet Geelong is a different proposition altogether.

In recent clashes, Geelong midfielders have been afforded too much space and time. Once that happens it's almost impossible to quell their influence on the contest. They also possess deadly accurate skills when delivering the ball into their forward 50.

The ability of the Roos' midfield to minimise the influence of Bartel, Selwood and company will be a huge factor as to whether they're able to notch up their first win against Geelong in almost five seasons.