IF NORTH puts in the same scratchy first half against the Bulldogs that they delivered against the Giants last Saturday, they are likely to pay for it.  Finals aren’t locked in yet and the Roos face fellow contenders Adelaide in round 22. The carrot is a home elimination final, and possibly the chance to knock Port Adelaide out of fifth spot. Todd Goldstein’s precautionary knee scan early in the week would have set nerves jangling. After receiving yet another Rising Star nomination this week (Jake Stringer), the late part of the season has been a sunny one for the Dogs who will hope to bank a win here before a tough test at the same venue against the rampant Swans in round 22.





WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Sunday August 17, 1.10pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST FIVE TIMES
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
R17, 2011, North Melbourne 21.16 (142) d Western Bulldogs 17.9 (111) at Etihad Stadium

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THE SIX POINTS
1. North Melbourne defeated the Bulldogs earlier this season in round two at Etihad Stadium, winning by 29 points. Brent Harvey starred with 25 possessions and three goals.

2. The Kangaroos have won the past three clashes between the two sides and four of the last five over the Dogs.

3. Nothing separates the two teams in 153 AFL/VFL contests with 75 wins each. The Bulldogs last win over North was in round seven, 2012.

4. The highest Etihad Stadium attendance to watch the Kangaroos and Bulldogs face off is 34,971 in round 9, 2008. That year the Dogs finished third and North also played finals.

5. Brent Harvey has played against the Bulldogs 25 times and kicked 37 goals; he’s also polled 14 Brownlow votes from those games, including four best-on-ground performances.

6. North have two of the top players in the Official AFL Player Ratings - Harvey is the No.1 ranked midfielder-forward in the competition and Todd Goldstein is the League’s top-ranked ruckman. Bulldog Will Minson is the fourth ranked ruckmen, while Ryan Griffen is fifth for midfielders.

Prediction: North Melbourne by 21 points