SUMMARY
An irresistible force will meet an immovable object when the AFL's most damaging attacking team, North Melbourne, takes on the Western Bulldogs' miserly defensive unit in a mouthwatering top-of-the-table clash. It's been four long years since the Bulldogs last played on a Friday night, and Luke Beveridge's men fully deserve their shot on the big stage. The Dogs have continued to play an exciting brand despite the losses of skipper Bob Murphy and dynamic half-back Jason Johannisen, but time will tell if a mounting injury toll will eventually weigh down the young side. The Roos have somehow flown under the radar, despite being the only undefeated team, although Brad Scott's men are likely to face their most searching examination this year against the Dogs, who have won 13 of their past 14 games at Etihad Stadium.
Jake Stringer and Shaun Higgins get reacquainted in 2015. Picture: AFL Media
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, April 29, 7.50pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R22, 2015, Western Bulldogs 14.12 (96) d North Melbourne 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2014, North Melbourne 17.9 (111) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
R2, 2014, North Melbourne 12.11 (83) d Western Bulldogs 8.6 (54) at Etihad Stadium
R7, 2013, North Melbourne 22.19 (151) d Western Bulldogs 15.7 (97) at Etihad Stadium
R19, 2012, North Melbourne 18.7 (115) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Western Bulldogs lead the AFL in disposals, averaging 454.2 per game. The Kangaroos are a lot further down the list, ranked 12th with 363.8 per game.
2. Nothing separates these teams with 76 wins each and three draws from 155 contests. Since 2009, it’s six wins to five in the Bulldogs' favour.
3. North Melbourne is the highest scoring side after five games, averaging 122 points per game. The Roos have registered more than 100 points in all five matches.
4. Another win for the Kangaroos and it will be the first time since 1979 the club has won their first six games of the season.
5. It's a rare Friday night blockbuster between these two teams. The most recent was in round 10, 2001, while the Bulldogs haven’t played any Friday night games at all since early in 2012.
6. Revitalised Roo Jarrad Waite has climbed 55 places up the Schick AFL Player Ratings to 74th overall after a stellar five rounds, including 18 majors.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Easton Wood.
Bulldogs half-back flankers are dropping like flies and Wood will need to marshal an undersized backline and compete in the air against North's potent tall timber for the Dogs to get up.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by two points.
