North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs
Sunday 17 August 2014, 1:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Head-to-head:

Round 2, 2014: Western Bulldogs 8. 6. (54) defeated by North Melbourne 12. 11. (83), Etihad Stadium
Round 7, 2013: Western Bulldogs 15. 7. (97) defeated by North Melbourne 22. 19. (151), Etihad Stadium
Round 19, 2012: North Melbourne 18. 7. (115) defeated Western Bulldogs 8. 13. (61), Etihad Stadium
Round 7, 2012: Western Bulldogs 15. 11. (101) defeated North Melbourne 12. 11. (83), Etihad Stadium
Round 17, 2011: North Melbourne 21. 16. (142) defeated Western Bulldogs 17. 9. (111), Etihad Stadium

Last time they met:

  • Brent Harvey (three goals) and Drew Petrie (two goals) were the only multiple goal scorers for the game
  • Will Minson comprehensively beat Todd Goldstein in the ruck with the Bulldogs big man contributing 42 hitouts and seven clearances to his opponents 29 and one clearance. However Daniel Currie provided good backup with nine hitouts.
  • North Melbourne beat the Bulldogs around the contest, with contested ball (WB123, NM127) and clearances (32, 38)
  • Liam Picken was excellent in his role on Lindsay Thomas, nullifying the Kangaroo’s influence while collecting 25 touches himself

Recent form:

Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have won four of the past eight games including wins against Collingwood and Gold Coast, while last week’s victory against St Kilda will help build confidence. When the Bulldogs play on their terms, the have shown they can be a dangerous team, regardless of opponent. A Rising Star nomination to Jake Stringer further confirms the Bulldogs young brigade have a bright future, while Adam Cooney and Shaun Higgins return to form will bode well for the final three games of the year. Putting up a fight against North Melbourne will be the next challenge.

North Melbourne

The sixth placed Kangaroos caused headaches for the Bulldogs last time the two sides met and will be looking to do so again on Sunday. While losing to Brisbane Lions (15th)  and Carlton (13th) since the mid-season bye, North have also had wins against premiership contenders Hawthorn and Sydney.

Key matchups and gamebreakers:

  • Ryan Griffen plays his 200th game this weekend and his teammates will be eager to put in a good performance for their captain. The 28-year-old is likely to face another tag, as he has done most of the season.
  • Brent Harvey has been a standout for a number of years but going by the statistics, 2014 may rank up there with some of his best. Averaging more disposals than any year previous (25.9), he is also near his personal best in goals (1.4) and marks per game (5.0). Over the past month his form has been strong, averaging three scoreboard influences, four inside 50s and almost 24 touches.
  • Bulldogs forwards Jake Stringer and Stewart Crameri and beginning to find a rhythm in attack, taking turns to influence the scoreboard. Combined with the Club’s rotating mosquito fleet and more experienced midfielders, the Bulldogs are producing a range of goal kickers who need to be contained.
  • Drew Petrie is a player who has a strong record against the Bulldogs and curtailing his goal kicking efforts will go a long way to being competitive with North Melbourne. He has averaged almost four goals a game in his past five outings against the Bulldogs and is in strong form coming off a five goal haul against GWS Giants.
  • Sam Darley has been a find in the Dogs defence, adding depth to the Bulldogs run and carry contingent – averaging the second highest number of rebound 50s per game at the Club (3.7). His recent work alongside Robert Murphy and Shaun Higgins has been beneficial to the Bulldogs back six.