SUMMARY
The next test in the Roo-
The Kangas are suddenly considered a finals threat, thanks largely to impressive wins over Hawthorn and Sydney and pushing Richmond within 10 points last week. So the timing of their Hobart 'homecoming' – they have won 11 of their
Healthy-again North midfielders Ben Jacobs and Jed Anderson have been revelations this year and loom as important again for the club's round nine battle with the GIANTS. Jacobs might get the job on key GIANTS onballer Stephen Coniglio, who will need support from the likes of Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel
WHERE AND WHEN: Blundstone Arena, Saturday, May 19, 1.45pm AEST
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LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2017, GIANTS 15.19 (109) d North Melbourne 10.7 (67) at Blundstone Arena
R23, 2016, GIANTS 14.16 (100) d North Melbourne 9.9 (63) at Etihad Stadium
R12, 2015, North Melbourne 18.9 (117) d GIANTS 8.13 (61) at Spotless Stadium
R20, 2014, North Melbourne 19.12 (126) d GIANTS 7.9 (51) at UNSW Canberra Oval
R14, 2013, North Melbourne 19.16 (130) d GIANTS 6.8 (44) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Kangaroos had more disposals and took more marks when the teams last played, but the
2. The GIANTS' scoring has dropped dramatically in recent weeks. After averaging 99 points per game in their first four games, the GIANTS have since averaged only 60 points in their last four.
3. After North won the first five contests between the sides, including three wins by more than 70 points, the GIANTS have won the last two comfortably.
4. No team has received more free kicks this season than the Roos with 193 at 24.1. The GIANTS haven't been popular with the umpires, ranking equal 16th with just 18.4 per game.
5. North Melbourne has won 11 of its last 13 games at Blundstone Arena, including an 86-point thrashing of Carlton in round four. The GIANTS have played twice in Hobart for one win.
6. Kangaroos ruckman Todd Goldstein was as high as No.3 in the Schick AFL Player Ratings two years ago, but his steady decline continues and is now 41st. That still makes him the fourth-highest big man, with Dawson Simpson the GIANTS' top-rated ruckman at No.569.
Star midfielder Stephen Coniglio has been one of the GIANTS' top performers this year and he needs to keep performing at a high level – with several key members on the sidelines – if his team wants to get its season back on track. Could Roos minder Ben Jacobs be heading his way?
