Head to head: Western Bulldogs 73 wins, North Melbourne 71 wins, three draws
Last time: Western Bulldogs 20.7 (127) d North Melbourne 7.15 (57), round nine, 2010 at Etihad Stadium
MISSING IN ACTION
Western Bulldogs
Ayce Cordy (shoulder) - season
Mitch Hahn (hamstring) - test
Eddie Prato (quad) - 1 week
Sam Reid (shoulder) - season
Brennan Stack (hamstring) - 2 weeks
Shane Thorne (knee) - 4 weeks
Callan Ward (hip) - test
North Melbourne
Liam Anthony (shoulder) - 3 weeks
Aaron Black (hip) - indefinite
Majak Daw (knee) - 1 week
Cruize Garlett (calf) - 2 weeks
Nathan Grima (quad) - 1 week
Scott McMahon (knee) - test
Drew Petrie (foot) - indefinite
Daniel Pratt (hamstring) - test
Ben Ross (hip/groin) - indefinite
Robbie Tarrant (thumb) - 3 weeks
Lindsay Thomas (knee) - test
Daniel Wells (quad) - test
Jack Ziebell (leg) - indefinite
FORM
Western Bulldogs: WLWWW
North Melbourne: WLLWL
SUMMARY
The Bulldogs played like an enormous (Jason Akermanis-shaped?) load had been lifted off their shoulders on the weekend when they thrashed Fremantle by 82 points to reclaim fourth position from the Western Australian side.
The win was their fifth from their past six starts, with the round 14 three-point loss to Hawthorn the only recent negative result.
Coach Rodney Eade says his side is building momentum at the right time of the season, and with a narrow injury list and great depth pushing up from the VFL, the Dogs are well placed going into this game.
Meanwhile, the Kangaroos have been a little topsy-turvy lately. They’re one game out of the top eight following the results of round 17 but are four points clear of the 10th-placed Adelaide.
A win over Essendon on Saturday night would have been ideal to keep them in touch with Carlton and the Sydney Swans but they’ll also need to make up some percentage if they’re to sneak into the top eight any time soon.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Eade has already said Barry Hall won’t let Scott Thompson get under his skin again but it would be a good idea to keep an eye on the big fella anyway. Hall is gearing up to be known as the recruit of the year as he hones in on Jack Riewoldt’s goal-kicking tally with just five majors the difference after the big Dog’s four against Fremantle.
It was the round 16 bump that threatened to knock Sam Wright into next week but all it really did was send the young gun to hospital and rule him out of the following game. He’s expected to return to the side this week but how much effect will the Trent Cotchin-bump factor in his performance?
QUESTION MARKS
The Dogs played on an emotional high and as a united group last weekend after the sacking of Akermanis. Will they be able to replicate that passion this week?
The door isn’t completely closed on the Roos’ finals chances but with a decimated midfield, will determination be enough to get them over the line?
It’s Hall v Thompson, round two. Last time the Roos’ backman crossed the Dogs’ big man, it ended in a headlock and four reports between them. Will Thompson be brave enough to go back for more?
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Bulldogs are flowing now and are playing the consistent football Eade was seeking earlier in the season. Their midfield was pure class against Fremantle on the weekend with Ryan Griffen impossible to stop. Quite simply, their weaponry and experience will be too much for the Roos to handle.
PREDICTION
Western Bulldogs by 41 points
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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
