As AFL Round 20 unfolds, all eyes will be on Marvel Stadium this Saturday evening when North Melbourne takes on Geelong. The match, scheduled to kick off at 7:35 PM AEST, is expected to be a lopsided affair according to betting odds, with Geelong heavily favored to continue their dominance. This matchup not only highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams but also offers intriguing betting opportunities for fans and punters alike.
North Melbourne, languishing in 17th place on the ladder, faces a daunting task against a Geelong side that is in prime position for a deep finals run. The Kangaroos’ season has been marred by inconsistency, and they enter this clash on the back of four consecutive losses, each by margins exceeding five goals. Meanwhile, Geelong sits comfortably in fourth place, eyeing a top-two finish as they navigate a favorable draw in the remaining rounds.
North Melbourne’s Struggles Continue
North Melbourne’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster, with brief glimpses of potential overshadowed by persistent struggles. Under the guidance of coach Alastair Clarkson, the Kangaroos have managed just four wins, one draw, and have suffered 13 losses. Their recent form slump, characterized by defensive lapses, has seen them concede heavily, raising concerns about their ability to compete against top-tier teams.
The Kangaroos’ defense has been particularly vulnerable, leaking goals at an alarming rate. This weakness will be severely tested by Geelong’s potent forward line, which has thrived against weaker opposition throughout the season.
Geelong’s Path to the Finals
In stark contrast, Geelong is cruising towards another finals campaign. The Cats, under the astute leadership of Chris Scott, have been a model of consistency and efficiency. Their recent 113-82 victory over St Kilda exemplified their ability to dismantle opponents with clinical precision. With a relatively soft draw ahead, Geelong is well-positioned to secure a top-four finish, and potentially challenge for a top-two spot.
Geelong’s dominance over North Melbourne is well-documented. The Cats have won their last 13 encounters against the Kangaroos, often by substantial margins. This historical dominance is underscored by their average winning margin of 70 points in the last five meetings, a testament to the gulf in class between the two sides.
Betting Insights and Predictions
Given the current form and historical context, this match is shaping up to be one of the biggest mismatches of the round. Geelong’s motivation to cement their top-four status, coupled with North Melbourne’s defensive vulnerabilities, suggests another comprehensive victory for the Cats. The betting markets reflect this expectation, with Geelong heavily favored to cover the -44.5 point line.
Geelong Team Total Over 110.5 – Odds: $1.85 (1.5 Units)
Jeremy Cameron, leading the Coleman Medal race, is a key player to watch. With 58 goals from 18 matches, Cameron has been a thorn in the Kangaroos’ side, having kicked 19 goals in his last four games against them. Another prolific performance is anticipated, with odds favoring him to score 5+ goals.
Jeremy Cameron 5+ Goals – Odds: $3.70
Same Game Multi Betting
For those looking to diversify their betting strategy, a Same Game Multi offers an enticing option. Combining individual player performances can yield significant returns:
- Jeremy Cameron 4+ Goals: Building on his impressive form against North Melbourne.
- Finn O’Sullivan 15+ Disposals: With increased involvement in recent weeks, O’Sullivan is poised for another productive outing.
- Riley Hardeman 15+ Disposals: A consistent performer in the Kangaroos’ defense, Hardeman offers value with his disposal count.
Same Game Multi Odds: $7.00 at Dabble
Match Details and Viewing Options
The clash between North Melbourne and Geelong is set to be broadcast live and ad-free on Kayo Sports, offering fans the opportunity to witness the action unfold in real-time. With the match taking place at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, it promises to be an engaging spectacle despite the anticipated disparity in team performance.
As the AFL season heads into its final stretch, the outcomes of such matches will have significant implications for the finals landscape. For North Melbourne, it’s about salvaging pride and building towards the future, while for Geelong, it’s a stepping stone towards greater ambitions in September.
