The Kangaroos have lost four in a row against the team from the West by average of 44 points and will be looking to regain some respect after a heavy loss to the Magpies.
2008 was the last time the boys from Aegis Park defeated Rodney Eade's team and just 12 Kangaroos who played back then remain.
Matthew Boyd has twice polled the maximum Brownlow votes in the matches since that time, while Brian Lake's absence can't be underestimated given he's been awarded top billing in the other games.
Last year in round nine, Lake had 41 possessions and roamed the back-line with ease against an inexperienced attack. This time around it could be a different story with Drew Petrie back and Lake out.
As much as North's forward line looks more potent with Petrie, the Bulldogs banged through a remarkable 22 goals in their 71-point win last time around and there'll be plenty of reliance on Luke Delaney and Cameron Pedersen to step up in defence.
Barry Hall is improving every week and he warrants plenty of respect after kicking seven goals last time the two teams met. Many had written him off only a matter of weeks ago, but four goals against the Blues is more than enough to prove he's still a formidable player.
So who will get the job on the dangerous Hall? Josh Smith spent much of the day on him last time, but he's no longer an option and no-one could forget that famous tussle between Scott Thompson and Hall earlier in 2010.
Lachie Hansen battled bravely on the weekend against Travis Cloke could be in the mix, while Pedersen is also capable.
Hall's not the only danger-man though with Daniel Giansiracusa kicking five majors in the round 18 rout. He's been in some fine form in the past month after copping some criticism of his own not so long ago. 22 goals in his last seven matches is a significant return for any small forward.
Then comes the midfielders with Brownlow Medal winner Adam Cooney and Ryan Griffen back their best and youngster Callan Ward showing why he’s a target of the new GWS franchise.
Down back Matthew Boyd, Robert Murphy and a reinvigorated Shaun Higgins are always going to make things tough.
Look at the ladder and the calibre of these players doesn't reflect the Bulldogs' position, but they are coming. Four wins in a row sees them just outside the eight and for Brent Harvey and his men, it's going to be one almighty challenge
