ARGUABLY the game of the year takes place tomorrow afternoon at Ikon Park when North Melbourne takes on Melbourne in a first-against-second preliminary final. Though touted to meet in the grand final, a qualifying loss to the Lions meant the Dees faced the Roos a week early, and a spot in the grand final is on the line.

IN A NUTSHELL

Date: Saturday, November 22
Venue: Ikon Park
Time: 3:05pm AEDT
Result: Winner goes to the grand final, loser is eliminated

SEASON DETAILS

LAST TIME THEY MET

2024 Round 3 – Melbourne 3.3 (21) def. by North Melbourne 11.5 (71)

North Melbourne put the foot down against the Dees in what would be the first of the Kangaroos’ 25-game winning streak. Though the sides were level at quarter time, the Roos piled on 9.4 to 1.2 in the final three quarters to post a 50-point win and have not lost since. On that day, Ash Riddell (32 disposals, 10 tackles and two goals) and Jasmine Garner (27 disposals, four marks, six tackles and six clearances) were their usual selves, while Kate Shierlaw booted five goals from 17 touches and eight marks. Eliza McNamara was Melbourne’s clear best with 21 disposals, five marks, 10 tackles and a goal in defeat.

HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS

CHANGES

Melbourne has brought back two key pillars in the team in the form of key forward Eden Zanker and All-Australian squad member Maeve Chaplin. The latter will step back to sure up the defence, while the two unlucky outs are Denby Taylor and Georgia Gall. Speaking of All-Australians, the Roos recall Eilish Sheerin back from injury to replace Tessa Boyd, however have opted not to bring back another recovering star in Mia King.

KEY PLAYERS

North Melbourne is not short on both superstars and key role players, but it is impossible to overlook the impact both Riddell and Garner have around the ball. Without King, the Roos have their one-two punch looking to do plenty of damage. The Dees will no doubt look to do a tagging job on one of them, but they are so hard to quell with others stepping up in their absence.

Melbourne is not short on stars either despite missing Liv Purcell for most of the season. Tyla Hanks and Hore are incredible, with the latter coming off one of the all-time finals performances last week. Expect the Roos to send someone to her given how key she is to the Dees’ lineup. Chaplin and Shelley Heath provide crucial roles for the side.

McNamara and Megan Fitzsimon helping drive it forward, and the likes of Zanker and Tayla Harris as targets inside 50, the Dees can look to stretch the Roos’ defence. However Shierlaw and Tahlia Randall are incredibly difficult to stop, which is why Tahlia Gillard and Sinead Goldrick are so crucial.

PREDICTION

It is impossible to go past North Melbourne given recent history, but the Dees do have plenty on their side. They have the quality on the field, they are coming off an impressive second half and the Roos have had the week to rest up. It feels like this might be the only time to catch North off guard with a strong first half, but the Roos are such a quality and professional outfit, no team has been able to play four quarters against them where they haven’t at least been punished for a period of time. Roos by 20 points in what will be their biggest challenge yet.