Greater Western Sydney gave North Melbourne a scare when they last met in round 23 last season. Entering that match, North knew a percentage-boosting win could lift it above seventh-placed Fremantle and secure a home elimination final, but the Roos were flat out just beating the Giants that night. North will enter this Sunday's game desperate to keep its remote finals chances alive. Despite their 4-8 start to the season, the Roos have had little trouble beating the competition's minnows in 2013 and should be too strong for the winless Giants.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday June 30, 3.20pm
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds
LAST TWO TIMES
R23, 2012: North Melbourne 16.9 (105) d GWS Giants 11.11 (77) at Skoda Stadium
R2, 2012: North Melbourne 28.15 (183) d GWS Giants 8.6 (54) at Blundstone Arena
THE SIX POINTS
1. North Melbourne enjoys a good recent record against non-Victorian teams at Etihad Stadium, having won seven of its past nine clashes against interstate visitors at the venue.
2. The Giants are still searching for their first win at Etihad Stadium, having lost there in 2013 to Essendon and Carlton.
3. Kevin Sheedy's most recent coaching win over the Roos was in round 16, 2001, at the MCG, when his Bombers team came from an AFL record 69 points down to win.
4. North has been awarded more free kicks this season than any other team. The Roos have received 278 free kicks in 2013, 28 more than West Coast in second, while GWS is 12th with 219.
5. The Kangaroos are ranked third in the competition for clearances in 2013, with the Giants ranked 10th.
6. North veteran Brent Harvey is the highest ranked player from either team in the Official AFL Player Ratings, at No. 14 overall. Harvey's teammate Daniel Wells is next best at No. 23, followed by Giants co-captain Callan Ward at No. 24.
