Head to head: North Melbourne 65 wins, Richmond 85 wins, two draws
Last time: North Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Richmond 7.11 (53), round 16, 2010 at MCG
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FORM - North Melbourne: LLBL Richmond: LDLL
SUMMARY
This shapes as a must-win game for both sides, which should make for an intense contest, if not one in which the best skills are on display.
Despite touting itself as a potential finalist in the pre-season, North Melbourne is yet to record a victory in 2011, although coach Brad Scott has rightly pointed out that two of the Kangaroos' three games have been in Perth, while the other was against Collingwood.
Nevertheless, if finals are to be a realistic possibility, the Roos really need to overcome the Tigers.
Richmond is coming off heavy losses to Hawthorn and Collingwood.
The Tigers showed some great signs when they booted six goals in the third quarter against the Magpies last Friday night, but the eventual margin of 71 points showed they have plenty of work to do.
QUESTION MARKS
Can North Melbourne continue its great record against Richmond? The Kangaroos have beaten the Tigers in seven of their past 10 clashes, including a 50-point victory when they last met at the MCG in 2010.
Is North youngster Jack Ziebell in need of some time in the VFL? One of the Roos' most highly-rated youngsters, Ziebell managed only 12 touches against Fremantle last Sunday.
How much will the Tigers benefit from getting key defenders Alex Rance and Luke McGuane back from suspension? There's no doubt both were sorely missed in recent games against the Hawks and Magpies, so they will surely enable Richmond to concede fewer points.
PREDICTION
North Melbourne by 14 points
TOYOTA AFL DREAM TEAM WATCH
The Dream Team coaches who selected Richmond draftee Reece Conca should be very happy with the young man's productivity so far. Despite playing deep in the backline, he racked up 87 points against the Magpies last weekend.
Follow the game live in the AFL Match Centre on afl.com.au and join the conversation on Twitter using #aflnorthtigers
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
