North Melbourne have scored their finest win of the AFL season after upsetting Geelong by 10 points in Friday night's round-19 clash at Etihad Stadium.
Top-eight hopefuls North were victorious 15.6 (96) to 13.8 (86) to improve their win-loss record to 8-10, while the Cats are in danger of losing second spot to Sydney later this weekend after recording just their fourth loss for the year.
The Kangaroos led by 20 points at halftime and eight points at three-quarter time before holding firm with a three-goal final term to Geelong's two goals.
Former skipper Brent Harvey, 35, had a game-high 37 disposals while Daniel Wells also used his pace to advantage for the Kangaroos with a four-goal performance.
Steven Motlop was Geelong's leading goalscorer with three after big man Tom Hawkins was held to one goal as he labours with a back complaint.
Friday's win was sweet revenge for the Kangaroos.
North had led Geelong by 35 points at halftime of their round-two clash in 2013 but the Cats fought back to win by four points in the first of five losses by less than a goal which the Kangaroos have suffered this season.
Lachie Hansen continued his excellent season in defence for the Kangaroos and had 30 touches while ruckman Todd Goldstein and onballer Jack Ziebell were also influential and Ryan Bastinac kicked three goals including two in the final term.
Steve Johnson, Jimmy Bartel and defender Corey Enright were among Geelong's leading ball-winners.
Geelong host Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium on August 10 while North face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium the following day.
North coach Brad Scott said the win was really pleasing after his side's fadeout against the Cats in round two.
"It had a bit of an eerie sense of deja vu didn't it, in the third quarter," he said.
"We've had some really disappointing losses this year that have cut pretty deep.
"From a coaching perspective, we could have taken the loser's attitude and said 'gee we've been unlucky'. But we haven't done that at any point.
"It's very, very rewarding when you learn from those situations and you can hold up under pressure because there's no doubt Geelong were coming at us and they're a great club ... and we were able to withstand the pressure tonight."
Geelong coach Chris Scott said the Cats had blown some golden opportunities in the second half.
"This was an important game for us and we're disappointed we blew it," he said.
Scott said the Cats were soundly beaten in the ruck, where Goldstein mauled Trent West. Geelong's 206cm ruckman Dawson Simpson suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.
The Cats' forward structure was thrown out by having James Podsiadly unavailable through suspension, which meant ruckman Nathan Vardy (two goals) was used as the club's second key forward alongside Hawkins.
