[VIDEO] Geelong Cats vs Nth Melbourne Kangaroos Highlights: AFL scores, blog

Match result:

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The North Melbourne Kangaroos defeated the Geelong Cats by 16 points after kicking away in the final quarter in their match at Simonds Stadium.

The news before the match centered on the surprise move by the Cats to use Steve Johnson as their sub.

The move looked to be a masterstroke when Geelong kicked out to a quick lead early in the match, thanks to their direct play and strong marking in the forward 50.

Mitch Clarke was dominate early, taking big grabs and kicking 3 goals, with Joel Selwood with his grunt and Steven Motlop with his dash prominent in the middle.
All the while Johnson was resting, ready to make an impact later in match when needed.

The Kangaroos settled and worked their way back into the match, by capitalizing on their ball dominance by getting it in faster to their forwards.

This placed pressure on the Geelong defense and gave their tall forwards better opportunities to score. Ben Brown was lively al match, kicking 2 goals and should have had more, and Jarrad Waite presented well all match and ended with 3 goals.

After being quite early Todd Goldstein began dominating the hit outs, setting up his midfielders and influencing the match heavily for his team.
Sam Wright was impressive off half-back, gathering plenty of touches and using the ball effectively to set-up numerous forward thrusts.

After a third quarter arm-wrestle saw North Melbourne extend their half-time lead by 2 point, to 6 overall, the match was set up for an exciting finish and for someone of Johnson’s quality and abilities to take over.

Instead the spark in the game came from the North Melbourne own substitute Trent Dumont who was playing his first game of AFL football.

First he set up Ben Brown’s goal by gathering the ball under pressure and quickly firing a hand pass to Brown to run into an open goal, then slotted one of his own after selling some candy and kicking truly.

From there the floodgates opened with the Kangaroos kicking the next 3 goals to all but out the game out of reach. Johnson managed to kick 2 goals in the last quarter but it wasn’t enough to get stop an impressive last quarter performance by North Melbourne.

Next week North Melbourne will face Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium, while the MCG will host the catfight between Geelong and Richmond.

My Best:

3 votes – Todd Goldstein, 21 possessions (14 contested), 8 clearances, 42 hit outs, 1 goal

2 votes – Sam Wright, 32 possessions (10 contested), 9 marks, 7 rebound 50’s, 81.2 disposal efficiency

1 vote – Joel Selwood, 29 possessions (15 contested), 10 clearances, 5 tackles 6 inside 50’s

Match preview:

It’s the battle of the Scott twins when the Geelong Cats and North Melbourne Kangaroos face off at Simonds Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).

After three rounds both these teams have one win and two losses, with another loss putting a big dent in one of these finals aspirants’ chances.

This is unfamiliar territory for Geelong, but they showed against the Suns last week they are still dangerous Cats when cornered. Down rotations, they managed to pull out the close win at home.

They were again led by captain Joel Selwood, who found another gear to win crucial clearances and ensure victory for his side.

Steven Motlop returned from his club-imposed banishment and showed his considerable talent with a starring role in the middle, which saw him racking up possessions, breaking lines and kicking goals.

Geelong looks to have found another player of the future in Cory Gregson, who gathered 21 disposals and two goals in just his third AFL game.

Tom Hawkins is no certainty to take his place as he deals with the death of his mother and if out Geelong will need goals from tall forwards Mitch Clarke and Josh Walker, who was impressive against the Suns.

Last week North Melbourne were overrun by Port Adelaide in a thrilling contest but have looked impressive since being trounced by Adelaide in Round 1.

Todd Goldstein is the in-form ruck of the competition, leading the competition in hit-outs, while gathering plenty of touches and tackles around the stoppages. Goldstein gives the Kangaroos a significant advantage against Geelong who have struggled in hitouts this season and his presence looms large on the result.

Sam Gibson leads the Kangaroos in disposals, and he will need to be at his best if Jack Zeibell pulls out late.

Ben Jacobs is having his best season since crossing from Port Adelaide, while Ben Brown kicked three goals last week and could benefit from stretching a Geelong defence missing Tom Lonergan.

The Kangaroos rank third in the competition in handballs and may need to modify their game for the forecasted rainy weather to kick long to their tall timber in Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Brown.

Prediction
The game being played in Geelong certainly helps the Cats, but with an injury which could see more late outs before the match starts it’s hard to back them here.

The Kangaroos were unlucky last week, and have looked in better form this season.

North Melbourne by 21 points.

Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).