SUMMARY
Melbourne could look back at its 41-point win over Adelaide in round eight as a defining moment in its season. Particularly so, if the Demons make it back-to-back wins over the Kangaroos on Sunday. The Demons should head into the game against the Roos as clear favourites, yet having faltered in that position too many times in the past they must prove they can win with the expectation placed upon them. Melbourne was again able to overcome its lack of a recognised ruckman (although Crow Sam Jacobs had 74 hit-outs), but must do so again facing up against influential big man Todd Goldstein. The Roos put in their worst performance of the season in a 42-point loss to Sydney and will be looking to bounce back hard. The inclusion of Jarrad Waite helps North's chances after he was sorely missed – through suspension – against the Swans.
WHERE AND WHEN: MCG, Sunday, May 21, 3.20pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R3, 2016, North Melbourne 21.10 (136) d Melbourne 20.11 (131) at Blundstone Arena
R19, 2015, North Melbourne 19.13 (127) d Melbourne 14.8 (92) at the MCG
R23, 2014, North Melbourne 19.9 (123) d Melbourne 14.9 (93) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2014, North Melbourne 15.17 (107) d Melbourne 10.6 (66) at the MCG
R18, 2013, North Melbourne 22.18 (150) d Melbourne 4.4 (28) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Melbourne has been a strong centre-clearance team this season, despite Max Gawn’s absence. The Demons are ranked equal-third, averaging 15.1 per game. North Melbourne is mid-table in that statistic, ranked equal-eighth with an average of 13.9.
2. North Melbourne has dominated Melbourne over a long period of time, winning the last 15 games, including four by more than 50 points. The Demons last won against the Roos in round 20, 2006.
3. The Demons continue to be a high disposal team, ranked second in the AFL and second in contested possessions. The Kangaroos are 14th for disposals and 12th for contested possessions.
4. The Kangaroos are fifth in the AFL for marks inside 50, averaging 12.8 per game. This is marginally ahead of the Demons, who are ranked sixth with an average of 12.6.
5. Melbourne holds the advantage in games played at the MCG, winning 54 games to North's 36. The Kangaroos will be playing their first and only MCG game this season.
6. Melbourne young guns Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were the top Schick AFL Player Rankings scorers on the ground in the Demons' 41-point win over Adelaide.
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Todd Goldstein.
Melbourne has been a combined -104 in the hit-out category without Max Gawn or Jake Spencer in the line-up. The Demons have been able to cover that deficiency with Cameron Pedersen influencing games and the club's in-form midfielders still winning the clearances. However, Goldstein was best on ground when the teams met in round three last season, booting five goals. The mobile ruckman could give the Roos a real advantage if he performs with a similar mindset against the Demons on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Melbourne by 13 points
