THE WESTERN Bulldogs' midfield is the equal of any in the competition, but North Melbourne's on-ball division can more than match it in Friday night's top-of-the-table clash at Etihad Stadium, senior Roo Nick Dal Santo says.
One of the standout features of the Bulldogs' 4-1 start to 2016 has been their contested play.
After the opening five rounds, their contested possession differential (+32.6 a game) is almost three times higher than the next best team (Sydney Swans, +11.6).
Match preview: North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Prolific inside ball-winners such as Mitch Wallis, Luke Dahlhaus, Liam Picken, Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore have also made them the No.1 clearance team in the AFL (+10.6 a game).
When North last played the Bulldogs in round 22 last year, it was comprehensively beaten in contested possession (124-140) and clearances (34-45) by a team that was without Liberatore.
But Dal Santo told AFL.com.au North's midfield could bounce back on Friday night.
"On what they've done this year, including the game against Hawthorn which they only lost in the last minute, you'd have to think their midfield is as good as anything going around at the moment," Dal Santo said.
"We're well aware of their contested ball ability, they've got some fantastic players.
"But their system also gives them the opportunity to get that amount of contested ball. They've got really aggressive half-backs who contribute offensively and win their own ball as well.
"But I'd back our group in against anyone. We've also got some really competitive inside midfielders with big bodies like Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington, Andrew Swallow and Ben Jacobs, who have played some good games in finals where contested ball is at its hottest.
"So this week will definitely be a challenge for our group, but it's something we're really looking forward to and the contested part of the game is one area where we're hoping to get on top of the Bulldogs."
Dal Santo says the Bulldogs' signature fast ball movement would also be a challenge for North.
The three-time All Australian expects the Dogs will get the Roos on the fast break from time to time, but is confident his team's pressure can slow Luke Beveridge's men down.
One part of the Bulldogs' armoury that tends to be overlooked is their defensive pressure.
The Dogs have conceded just 56.6 points a game this season – 10 points fewer than the next best team, Geelong – while North leads the competition in scoring, averaging 122 points a game.
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It makes for an intriguing match-up and Dal Santo is under no illusions about how stingy the Dogs' defence has become.
"I think their defence has probably been a little bit underrated just because their offence has been so good. To give up under 10 goals a game is remarkable, given it feels like 100 points by a losing team is acceptable at the moment," he said.
"The Bulldogs' running capability is also a very good attribute and something that hasn't really been spoken about.
"Not only do they get forward but they get back and defend and I think their scores against reflect that."
