When and where: Saturday 29 June, 1.45pm AEST, Marvel Stadium (Wurundjeri)
Broadcast: Fox Footy/Kayo
Head-to-head: Played 167 (won 85, lost 79, drawn three)
Last time we met: Round 14 2023, WB 15.15 (105) def. North Melbourne 13.6 (84)

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What it means

Fresh off a bye, the Bulldogs will be raring to start their second-half of the season with a win. Having defeated the Kangaroos by an average winning margin of 59 points in their last five outings should also fill them with confidence. The Roos won’t make it easy though – having challenged both Collingwood and Melbourne in successive weeks, losing by one and three points respectively.

Who to watch

Liam Jones has played an important role in the Bulldogs’ back six this season – demonstrated by not only his defensive work, but also his leadership. Set to take North sharpshooter Nick Larkey on Saturday – who has contributed nine goals in three games – Jones would know that nullifying his impact will go a long way.

Toyota ‘Good for Footy’ Round

Round 16 will celebrate the Toyota ‘Good for Footy’ Round, which was established to recognise the significant contribution that Toyota makes to Australian Rules Football, from grassroots level to the elite. In addition to the dedicated round, Toyota supports football through initiatives such as the Toyota Good For Footy Raffle and Toyota AFL National Volunteer Awards.

Kids go FREE

This weekend will also mark the first of four ‘Kids Go Free’ rounds – with all kids aged 14 years old and under given free access to 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership matches across the country. In addition to free admission, there’ll be plenty on offer for kids at Marvel Stadium this Saturday – with kids’ food specials, complimentary popcorn, fairy floss and fruit, DJs, competitions, upgrades and more! For more information, please click here.

Check before you travel

Avoid public transport and road disruptions this Saturday afternoon by checking before you travel. Buses replace trains on sections of the Lilydale line, while coaches replace trains between Geelong and Warrnambool stations. Buses will also replace trams on sections of Route 57 and Route 82.

Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions/special-events to plan your journey ahead of time.

Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has brushed off concerns over a back injury to play a key role in his side's comfortable 17-point victory over North Melbourne.

Struck down by back spasms at training mid-week, Bontempelli passed a late fitness test and was outstanding in the Bulldogs' 11.11 (77) to 9.6 (60) victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The inspirational skipper had 35 disposals and 11 clearances as the Dogs moved back to a positive ledger (8-7) in pursuit of a finals berth.

Cody Weightman kicked a game-high three goals, taking his tally to six in two games on return from an elbow injury, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Adam Treloar kicked two each.

Tom Liberatore (25 disposals), Ed Richards (21) and Ryley Sanders (21) were also influential for the Bulldogs.

Rory Lobb was another impressive performer, moved to defence to accommodate returning key forwards Naughton and Sam Darcy.

A ruck-forward throughout his 11 seasons, Lobb snared 12 intercept possessions and worked well alongside regular full-back Liam Jones in the absence of injured pair Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner.

Jones was a brick wall, holding Kangaroos spearhead Nick Larkey scoreless from just five disposals.

Naughton marked his return from a knee injury with the opening goal before Ugle-Hagan and Roo Paul Curtis traded brilliant snaps from opposite pockets.

The Bulldogs led by nine points at the first break - 4.4 to 3.1 - before kicking the only goal of the second quarter through Darcy, keeping their opponents scoreless in the process.

The lead grew to 38 points as the Dogs kicked four of the first five goals after half-time, and they held on despite the Kangaroos' late burst of three consecutive goals during the final term.

The Bulldogs face a big test away to Port Adelaide in round 17, while North Melbourne hosts Gold Coast.

Match Details

NORTH MELBOURNE            3.1     3.1     6.3        9.6 (60)  
WESTERN BULLDOGS           4.4     5.8    10.10     11.11 (77)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Curtis 2, Zurhaar 2, Ford, Sheezel, Taylor, Teakle, Xerri
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 3, Naughton 2, Treloar 2, Ugle-Hagan 2, Darcy, Liberatore

BEST
North Melbourne: Xerri, Sheezel, Tucker, Ford, Curtis, Zurhaar
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Liberatore, Willams, Lobb, Jones, Weightman

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Duryea (foot), Vandermeer (ankle)

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Dylan Stephens (replaced Zac Fisher in the third quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Oskar Baker (replaced Taylor Duryea in the third quarter)

Crowd: 27,005 at Marvel Stadium