SUMMARY
With both sides battling injuries and indifferent form in recent times, Saturday night's clash is a chance to build some form ahead of a likely finals campaign. The Dogs were meritorious losers last week against the Cats after losing another two key players to injury, while North returned to form with a comfortable win over St Kilda. Jarrad Waite's absence is a blessing for the under-manned Bulldog defence, but fellow tall Drew Petrie has a habit of saving his best for the Dogs and has a career-best 46 goals against them. If a midfield led by Marcus Bontempelli can get the upper hand, that will give Luke Beveridge's side the best chance of victory. With both sides yet to mathematically book a finals berth, Saturday night's clash looms as a beauty.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, August 6, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
Another big game for the Bont looms, but he's running out of cavalry. Picture: AFL Photos
LAST FIVE TIMES
R6, 2016, North Melbourne 9.7 (61) d Western Bulldogs 6.9 (45) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. Injured North star Jarrad Waite was the difference in round six kicking four of his teams nine goals. Daniel Wells had 27 disposals. Lachie Hunter was comfortably the Bulldogs’ best with 23 kicks and 21 handballs.
2. The Bulldogs’ scoring continues to struggle, the lowest of the top eight teams averaging 86 points per game and they sit ninth overall. But their defence is ranked third, conceding only 76 points per game.
3. The Kangaroos have dominated the Bulldogs recently winning six of the past eight matches including three by 50 points or more.
4. The Bulldogs continue to dispose of the ball more than any other team, the only side to average more than 400 disposals per game with 420.3.
5. The teams have played 20 times at Etihad Stadium with North Melbourne winning 12 games to eight; the Bulldogs have won seven of 11 matches at Etihad this season.
6. Despite his recent good form, Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli has slipped two spots to seven overall in the Schick AFL Player Ratings. Veteran Brent Harvey is the Kangaroos’ highest ranked player at 22.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Marcus Bontempelli
With fellow contested-ball specials Tom Liberatore, Mitch Wallis and Jack Macrae missing, the 20-year-old will need to another standout game if the Dogs are to get back on the winners' list.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 12 points
