Cats, Kangaroos hoping to face off in private affair

NORTH Melbourne and Geelong have moved today’s practice match behind closed doors to avoid prying eyes.

The Kangaroos and Cats were set to stage their hitout at Deakin University, but have relocated the game to the Cats’ Kardinia Park base.

It’s understood Brad and Chris Scott had always intended staging the match in private before details of the game, and others, were released by the AFL.

News Corp has confirmed the motivation for moving the game is because the two coaches want to trial tactics in secret.

The Cats will get their first serious look at what impact Gary Ablett can make as a near-permanent forward, while the Roos are integrating several new faces, including Jared Polec, Aaron Hall and Dom Tyson.

With only two JLT games to prepare for the AFL season, clubs across the competition have arranged a series of matches officiated by AFL umpires.

Melbourne and Collingwood will play Friday morning at Olympic Park, with the Demons even offering a live stream of the game.

Greater Western Sydney and Sydney play the same day, while Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast meet on Saturday.