SUMMARY
The Western Bulldogs have won nine of their past 11 matches, including a long-awaited flag, but last week's loss to Fremantle was their second in that period to Ross Lyon's Dockers. They split their two 2016 clashes with next opponent North Melbourne. This week's match takes on special significance as the first AFL game scheduled on Good Friday. The Dogs will be keen to redeem themselves for the shock loss in Perth and no players more so than quiet performers Travis Cloke, Easton Wood and Toby McLean. But the Roos are desperate to open their winning account. North was competitive in all its three losses to date, particularly against Geelong in round two, but an inability to prolong the effort has hurt Brad Scott's men. Jack Ziebell needs more support in the midfield from the likes of Ben Cunnington and Andrew Swallow. Will the Kangaroos lift for Lindsay Thomas' 200th match?
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Friday, April 14, 4.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R20, 2016, Western Bulldogs 9.7 (61) d North Melbourne 7.5 (47) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. It was low scoring when these teams last played – the Bulldogs kicked four goals to two in the first half and both teams booted five in the second. The Kangaroos had 84 more disposals and won the clearances, but the Bulldogs took the ball inside 50 14 more times. Marcus Bontempelli collected the three Brownlow votes.
2. Both sides have struggled to take the ball inside 50 in 2017. North Melbourne is 11th, averaging 51.7, just ahead of the Bulldogs in 12th, at 49.7 per game.
3. The Bulldogs have won two of the last three clashes between the sides, ending the Kangaroos' run of four consecutive wins from 2012 to '14. The Dogs haven’t defeated North in consecutive matches since 2010.
4. The Western Bulldogs are the worst centre clearance side in 2017 so far, averaging only 10 per game. They are also ranked third-last for hit-outs, compared to the third-ranked Kangaroos.
5. Another loss and it will be the first time since 1975 North Melbourne has started a season 0-4. But it might be an omen: in that year the Kangaroos went on to win their first premiership.
6. Marcus Bontempelli is back in fourth place in the Schick AFL Player Ratings thanks to his 24-disposal outing – at almost 80 per cent efficiency – against Freo. He peaked at No.3 in rounds 11, 17 and 18 last year.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Jake Stringer
Stringer struggled to match his lofty 2015 All Australian heights last year, including a stint at VFL level leading into the finals. The bustling forward has been solid without setting the house on fire this season, but a big game out of 'The Package' would go a long way to a Bulldogs victory. You have to go all the way to round eight last year for Stringer's most recent five-goal haul.
PREDICTION: Western Bulldogs by 27 points
