Former North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh showed plenty of dash against his former side but the Kangaroos held on for a nine-point win over Geelong in Friday’s AFL practice match at Simonds Stadium.
The 203cm McIntosh kicked a lovely goal on the run and had 14 possessions and 15 hitouts to suggest he’ll be a solid contributor after failing to make his debut for his new club last year because of a serious knee injury.
North kicked two goals to Geelong’s one in a tight final term to claim victory 11.10 (76) to 10.7 (67) in front of just under 5000 fans.
Tom Hawkins kicked three goals for Geelong while Sam Wright, Brad McKenzie and Drew Petrie booted two each for the Kangaroos.
Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell were among North’s winners in midfield while Steve Johnson showed flashes of magic for the Cats and Mathew Stokes and Josh Caddy were also influential.
North coach Brad Scott and his brother Chris, the Geelong mentor, had a discussion at three-quarter time and the game was ended less than 21 minutes into the final term with both sides seemingly happy with the hitout.
McIntosh showed some athleticism by kicking a goal on the run as the Cats claimed a 3.4 (22) to 2.1 (13) advantage at quarter-time.
Wright’s second goal late in the second term was North’s fifth for the quarter, putting the Kangaroos ahead by six points. However, Geelong’s Hawkins kicked a major after the siren compliments of a beautiful pass from Mathew Stokes to level the scores at 7.5 (47) each.
Both sides booted two goals in an even third term with North two points ahead at the final change. Geelong utility Billie Smedts limped off with a possible leg injury during the third quarter.
A long goal from North’s Lindsay Thomas early in the final term was immediately answered by Johnson, who roved the pack to narrow the gap to one point.
Brad McKenzie’s second goal late in the final term sealed North’s nine-point win.
North skipper Andrew Swallow (Achilles) and Geelong captain Joel Selwood (hamstring) were both rested from the game.
Geelong host Adelaide at Simonds Stadium in round one on March 20.
Skipper Joel Selwood (tight hamstring) and Norm Smith Medallist Jimmy Bartel are likely to return to the side for Geelong’s round-one clash with Adelaide at Simonds Stadium on March 20.
North face Essendon at Etihad Stadium on March 21.
