Where and when: Marvel Stadium, Friday August 2, 7.50pm AEST 

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What it means for North Melbourne: This is a chance to restore the positivity from early in Rhyce Shaw's tenure. The Roos have lost three straight games and a finals appearance is highly unlikely, but there's plenty still to be gained.

What it means for Hawthorn: A September berth remains a possibility and the Hawks are playing as well as almost any team. Having said that, Alastair Clarkson's men can't afford to drop this one if they want to play finals.

The stat: The Hawks have won nine of their past 11 meetings with North, but the clubs have split the last four at Marvel Stadium, the scene of their round 20 clash.

The match-up: James Frawley v Ben Brown

Not much is being said or written about Frawley (ranked 301 in the Official AFL Player Ratings), but he's been a big reason for Hawthorn's spike in form. Opposition forwards are struggling to get hold of him, but the Kangaroos would dearly love Brown (124) to do exactly that.

It's a big week for: Grant Birchall

Every game is critical for the four-time premiership star, who's trying to prove he deserves another contract. Birchall hasn't lost his ability, so he just needs to illustrate his body can hold up to the rigours of AFL football.

Big call: The Hawks fall short of 100 points again but kick 14 goals for the first time in 2019.

Prediction: Hawthorn by 24 points