SUMMARY
This match-up has established itself as a pivotal clash for the two clubs, with both coming off disappointing losses and looking to recover from recent form slumps. The Western Bulldogs have lost four of their past five games and now sit outside the top eight, with poor conversion being a major contributor. The Roos are also in desperate need of some success, with a finals appearance still somewhat in their sight. Their kick-to-handball ratio and rookie errors proved costly in last week’s loss to St Kilda and will need to be addressed for them to get a win against the Dogs this weekend.
WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday, June 24, 7.25pm AEST
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R4, 2017, Western Bulldogs 12.17 (89) d North Melbourne 12.14 (86) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2016, Western Bulldogs 9.7 (61) d North Melbourne 7.5 (47) at Etihad Stadium
R6, 2016, North Melbourne 9.7 (61) d Western Bulldogs 6.9 (45) at Etihad Stadium
R22, 2015, Western Bulldogs 14.12 (96) d North Melbourne 10.13 (73) at Etihad Stadium
R21, 2014, North Melbourne 17.9 (111) d Western Bulldogs 8.13 (61) at Etihad Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. Luke Dahlhaus played one of the best games of his career in round four, amassing 32 disposals, laid six tackles, had four clearances and kicked two goals. Ben Brown booted four goals for the Kangaroos.
2. In the last two weeks the Bulldogs have struggled to score kicking an average of 49 points per game compared to their opponents' 100 and have managed only five first-half goals while conceding 13.
3. The Western Bulldogs have now won three of the last four clashes between the sides, ending the Kangaroos' sequence of four consecutive wins in 2012-14.
4. Despite recent poor form, the Bulldogs continue to be the best tackling side in 2017, averaging 76.9 per game ahead of the Kangaroos ranked sixth with an average of 72.2.
5. This will be the 23rd meeting between the sides at Etihad Stadium with North Melbourne holding a narrow advantage, winning 12 games to 10.
6. Jake Stringer is the highest ranked forward for the two teams in the Schick AFL Player Ratings at No.57, while North Melbourne’s highest ranked forward is Shaun Higgins at No.107.
