SUMMARY
North Melbourne silenced the doubters by claiming its seventh successive win with a comeback 11-point victory over Fremantle. The Western Bulldogs return to the more familiar surrounds of Etihad Stadium after West Coast booted nine goals to one in the final quarter to run out 77-point winners at Domain Stadium. The Bulldogs will be eager to rediscover their bite when they meet the Roos for the first time this season. They failed to stop Nic Naitanui last round, and the task of neutralising in-form tall Todd Goldstein will leave coach Luke Beveridge with another headache. This game could go either way and the victor will seriously strengthen its finals credentials.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday August 29, 4.35pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R7, 2012, Western Bulldogs 15.11 (101) d North Melbourne 12.11 (83) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Ben Cunnington booted a career-high four goals and Sam Gibson starred with 31 disposals when the teams last met in round 21, 2014.
2. The Roos have now won seven consecutive games and have kicked 111 points per game since round 15, while the Bulldogs are 5-2 with 108 points per game in the same period.
3. The Dogs last week suffered their heaviest defeat of the year (77 points) against West Coast, and for the second time this season conceded nine goals in a quarter.
4. North Melbourne holds the advantage over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, winning 11 games to seven.
5. The Bulldogs are ranked fourth for inside 50s with an average of 54.6 per game, while the Roos are equal eighth with 51.1 per game.
6. Jake Stringer surged 23 places, from No.112 to No.89 overall, in the Official AFL Player Ratings last round after bagging five goals from his 17 touches.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Michael Firrito. The 31-year-old will reach his 250-game milestone this weekend and has been a reliable member of North's defence since making his debut in 2003. Roos coach Brad Scott has labelled the veteran backman a "heart and soul North player" courtesy of his fierce attack on the ball and ability to rebound out of defence.
PREDICTION: North Melbourne by 13 points.
