THIS match-up looks a one-sided affair on paper, but the result will very much depend on which North Melbourne and which Richmond turns up. The Roos were very impressive in their win over West Coast last Sunday night, but have usually followed their big wins this season with losses, notably turning in a flat performance against Gold Coast after their round six trip to Perth. The Tigers were dismal in their 50-point loss to Essendon in the Dreamtime at the 'G game last Saturday night, so won't lack for motivation. There is also the suspicion they will regain their 2013 form at some stage this season. If they do this Sunday night, we're in for a great contest.



WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday June 8, 7.10pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
R15, 2013, North Melbourne 19.14 (128) d Richmond 8.18 (66) at Etihad Stadium
R17, 2012, North Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Richmond 14.15 (99) at MCG
R24, 2011, North Melbourne 15.14 (104) d Richmond 13.13 (91) at Etihad Stadium
R5, 2011, Richmond 17.10 (112) d North Melbourne 14.19 (103) at Etihad Stadium
R16, 2010, North Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Richmond 7.11 (53) at MCG

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THE SIX POINTS
1. North has a good record against Richmond at Etihad Stadium, having won seven of their 10 games there, with the Tigers' last win in 2011.

2. North has been impressive by foot this season, boasting a disposal efficiency of 73.2 per cent (ranked fourth in the competition). Richmond is ranked equal sixth with a disposal efficiency of 72.4 per cent.

3. Despite North's solid start to the season, it is ranked 17th in the AFL for marks inside 50, averaging 8.7 a game, while the struggling Tigers are ranked fifth with an average of 12.4 a game.

4. Only Melbourne has had fewer interchange rotations in 2014 with the Roos averaging 103 a game. By comparison, Richmond is averaging 114 rotations a game, ranked 14th in the AFL.

5. The biggest individual goal haul between the sides is 14, kicked by Richmond's Doug Strang in round two, 1931, at Punt Rd Oval, a tally that remains a club record.

6. When these teams last met in round 15 last year, North players dominated the scores in the Official AFL Player Ratings, brought to you by Gatorade. Brent Harvey (23.3 points), Robbie Tarrant (20.3), Andrew Swallow (17.6) and Levi Greenwood (17.1) were the game's leading scorers, with Matt White (now at Port Adelaide) the highest-scoring Tiger (16.1)

Prediction: North Melbourne by 11 points