SUMMARY
The equation is simple for the Kangaroos: win their last three matches and they will almost certainly book an unlikely finals berth. The remaining fixture looks OK, with the Western Bulldogs, Crows (in Adelaide) and St Kilda to come. But nothing is ever as it seems, with North needing a thrilling final passage capped by Ben Brown and Jack Ziebell – plus a Mitch Wallis error at the other end – to pip the Sons of the West by two points in round 14. The Dogs are also filled with confidence again after chasing down the Saints last week for their first victory in five rounds. Brown booted five goals against the Bulldogs last time, but no more than four since and has watched his Coleman Medal lead shrink. Luke Beveridge's men have suffered from injuries all season, including to their tall defensive stocks, so the Roos' spearhead might be set to feast again at a time his side needs him most.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday, August 12, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE MEETINGS
R14, 2018, North Melbourne 12.5 (77) d Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2017, Western Bulldogs 15.17 (107) d North Melbourne 16.10 (106) at Etihad Stadium
R4, 2017, Western Bulldogs 12.17 (89) d North Melbourne 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium
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
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Kangaroos edged out the Bulldogs in a thriller earlier this season thanks to a Jack Ziebell goal in the dying minutes. The Dogs had more disposals, took more marks and won the inside 50s.
2. North Melbourne is one of the strongest contested possession teams this season, ranked equal fifth with an average of 150.7, well ahead of the Bulldogs in 13th with 140.8 per game.
3. Nothing separates the sides recently, with four wins each since 2014, and the most recent matches were thrillers decided by three, one and two points.
4. The Dogs have struggled in front of goal this season, ranked 16th for accuracy at 42.4 per cent, while the Kangaroos have been much better, sixth at 49.7 per cent.
5. The Bulldogs are aiming for consecutive wins for just the second time this season, while a win for the Kangas would be the second time this year they've won three in a row.
6. Dashing Dog Jason Johannisen (25.2) and North wingman Trent Dumont (21.4) enjoyed career-best Schick AFL Player Ratings games last weekend. They're ranked 122nd and 162nd in the overall standings.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR …
Superstar Marcus Bontempelli inspired his Bulldogs to victory over St Kilda with a four-goal third quarter. They need another big-time game from the 'Bont' if they expect to defy a long injury list and claim successive scalps.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 30 points.
