Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne
Sunday 30 March 2014, 4:40pm (EDST)
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Head-to-head:

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
Round 18, 2010: Western Bulldogs 22. 11. (143) defeated North Melbourne 10. 12. (72), Etihad Stadium

Last time they met:

  • Majak Daw was a physical presence in North Melbourne’s forward line, taking seven marks inside 50 and kicking six goals and four behinds. For the Bulldogs it was Daniel Giansiracusa who looked most dangerous, finishing with four goals.
  • Ryan Griffen and Ben Cunnington went head to head at the stoppages with nine clearances apiece, although the Bulldogs midfielder was no match around the ground with 33 touches, a goal and three goal assists.
  • North Melbourne exposed the Bulldogs on the spread, boasting 41 more uncontested possessions.
  • The Kangaroos had 14 extra inside 50s for the game but the real difference came in scoring shots (WB22, NM41)

Recent form:

Western Bulldogs
The Bulldogs came up against a rampant Eagles outfit last week, and will be looking for a better performance against the Roos. The potential return of captain Ryan Griffen bodes well for the round two affair, as well as some strong performances in the VFL. Expect a stronger defensive effort and more deliberate ball movement against the Kangaroos.

North Melbourne
North Melbourne have their sights set on finals football this season and will want to secure their first win of 2014 this Sunday. The team fielded last week boasted over 105 senior games experience on average and will come up against a less experienced Bulldogs side who had an average of 87 games of experience last week. The Roos boast a deep midfield and the speedy recovery of Todd Goldstein from injury will give the finals aspirants a boost.

Key match ups and game breakers:

  • Despite injuring himself in the first term against Essendon last week, Goldstein’s determination saw him level with Patrick Ryder in hitouts –often being forced to use his non-preferred right arm. Minson will also be keen to back up this week after admirably facing a three pronged ruck department in the Eagles last week.
  • Jack Macrae and Lachie Hunter shrugged off any notion of the second year blues in last week’s season opener and were among the Bulldogs’ best. Their composure on the outside will complement the side’s established crop of contested ball winners and will be an important again this week.
  • Key Kangaroos duo Drew Petrie and Aaron Black shared just one goal in the season opener last week and will be eager to increase that haul against the Bulldogs. Petrie has a strong record against the Dogs in recent years and will need to be watched closely. Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris fought hard against the Eagle’s Josh Kennedy and could be the man for the job, while fellow dour defender Jordan Roughead has also shown he is not afraid of a big assignment.