North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 29 August 2015
4:35pm, Etihad Stadium
The Kangaroos seem to have hit their straps at the right time, winning their last seven matches by an average margin of 40 points.
Their biggest win for the season came in round 21 against Fremantle, defeating the league’s top-ranked side by 11 points.
Todd Goldstein has given his midfielders first hand on the footy at every chance, and has allowed their midfield to step up as one of the best centre clearance sides in the competition.
Coach Brad Scott had this to say following the Dockers win.
“Any time you play the top team on the ladder and you’re 24 points down at quarter time, if you get over the line it’s generally a win full of character.
“I’m pleased that the players and coaches were able to maintain the faith.”
North Melbourne Key Stats
- #3 in league marks inside 50 (258)
- #3 in goals (283)
- #4 in goal assists (194)
- #4 in league hit outs (975)
- #4 in league bounces (196)
- #6 in league centre clearances (262)
Players to Watch
Todd Goldstein
The Kangaroos’ ruckman is in All-Australian form in season 2015. He’s averaging a massive 44 hit outs per game and has been the dominant big man in the competition this season. Averaging 15 disposals, four marks and four tackles, his around-the-ground work is just as elite as his tap work. Goldstein currently sits third in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year award, and despite being a ruckman, is one of the favourites for this year’s Brownlow Medal.
Ben Cunnington
The hard-nosed midfielder has continued his form from 2014 this year, after winning North’s best and fairest last season. He’s averaging 23 disposals per game, four tackles and three marks. Cunnington currently sits fourth in the league for contested possessions (averaging 14 per game), fifth for clearances (7.5 per game).
Head to Head
Western Bulldogs 75
North Melbourne 76
Draw 3
Last time we met
North Melbourne 17.9 (111) defeated Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium, round 21 2015
North Melbourne last three games
R21 2015 – North Melbourne 14.10 (94) defeated Fremantle 12.11 (83)
R20 2015 – North Melbourne 18.12 (120) defeated St Kilda 11.17 (83)
R19 2015 – North Melbourne 19.13 (127) defeated Melbourne 14.8 (92)
