The consequences of North Melbourne going off the boil against reigning premiers Geelong on Friday night at Telstra Dome would be ugly, according to captain Adam Simpson.

The Kangaroos were on the end of a 106 point thrashing by the Cats in last year's qualifying final but Simpson said last week's form was more cause for concern.

Brisbane capitalised on the Kangaroos' lapse in concentration last Saturday night at the Gabba, kicking six straight goals before half-time to effectively ice the contest.

On the same night at Telstra Dome, Geelong went for the jugular against Carlton in the third quarter, kicking six goals to one behind to set up their 56 point win.

Simpson said his team could suffer the same treatment as the Blues should they momentarily go missing.

"They (Geelong) blew them (Carlton) off the park, that's what they have been doing this year," Simpson said of Geelong.

"They`ve been playing their A-grade footy in bursts and are able to kick ten straight goals.

"If we let that happen, we'll be in strife."

"When you do have that lapse, teams kick ten goals on you so if you have that lapse in the first quarter, your gone."

The `Roos were cut up by the Lions midfield during their lapse in concentration and could again be exposed by the Cats' impressive on-ball brigade under the closed roof at Docklands.

Geelong's mix of Gary Ablett, Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Bartel and Joel Selwood are expected to dominate North's runners of Simpson, Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey, Matt Riggio, Ed Lower and Daniel Harris.

Sensing that, the `Roos skipper called on Harris to lift and take on more responsibility.

"He's going alright and probably meeting his requirements but I hope he takes over my role," he said.

"I'm hoping I get to the stage where I start stepping back and he comes up."

But the headaches for North extend to attack with key forwards Nathan Thompson (knee) and Corey Jones (ankle) out with injuries.

Compounding problems for North, their opponents' forward line has been strengthened with Cameron Mooney (shoulder) and Paul Chapman (hamstring) over their injuries.

After a thrilling performance against the undefeated Western Bulldogs in Round Nine, the Lions ensured North fell to earth with a thud last weekend, denting morale.

It could get worse should Geelong play somewhere near their best

"Collectively, you feel flat," Simpson said after the loss to Brisbane.

"Players are struggling for form, coaches are pissed off, it's hard to assess your own performance - I'd rather play like a dog and win then play well and lose.

"If we go down against Geelong, we'll go down swinging."

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