Westernbulldogs.com.au takes an in-depth look at the key match ups ahead of the Bulldogs clash against North Melbourne on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
Watch BulldogsTV's preview of Saturday's match between the Bulldogs and Kangaroos on the media player above.
Key Match-ups
Will Minson vs Todd Goldstein and Hamish McIntosh
Preaparing for another big game this week ruckman Will Minson is in fine form. Averaging over 39 hit-outs in the past four matches the man mountain will be hard to stop but North duo Todd Goldstein and Hamish McIntosh will certainly try their luck. Despite Minson having 34 hit-outs last time they met, the combined efforts of Goldstein (27 hit-outs) and McIntosh (17) got them over the line. This time round Minson will have the assistance of emerging ruckmen Tom Campbell and Jordan Roughead around the stoppages.
Brent Harvey and Andrew Swallow vs Liam Picken
Western Bulldogs Liam Picken is a highly valued commodity at Whitten Oval and this week it is a decision of whether his tagging talents should focus on Roos veteran Brent Harvey or captain Andrew Swallow. While Swallow is dominant around the stoppages and is North’s main ball winner, Harvey’s experience and composure make him a highly dangerous player who is more than worthy of a hard tag. On precedent Harvey is likely to gain Picken’s unwavering attention.
Brian Lake vs Drew Petrie
One of the main match-ups of the night will be Brian Lake in the Bulldogs last line of defence against Kangaroos leading goal-kicker Drew Petrie. Last time they went head to head Lake came out the victor with 26 disposals and 12 marks to Petrie’s nine disposals and three goals. Petrie however caused havoc in Round 17 last year kicking five goals, 5 behinds and the in-form forward is in red hot for currently sitting second in the Coleman Medal standings.
Game Breakers
Tory Dickson
Last time they met Tory Dickson kicked his first AFL goal - but he didn’t just stop there and ended up kicking a game high four. Since then the mature aged recruit has gone on to kick 16 majors and has been instrumental in the Bulldogs forward line, alongside Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins. He found another four goal performance against Port Adelaide as well as three goals against Fremantle and will be looking to replicate the performance again this week.
Zephaniah Skinner
Livewire Zeph Skinner has only played three senior games to date, yet his highlights reel is already littered with screaming marks and show stopping goals. His focus this year back at VFL affiliate Williamstown has been working on his defensive pressure and putting in a four quarter performance, and Skinner will be eager to demonstrate his improvement on the big stage.
Tom Williams
Reinventing himself as a key forward, Williams has provided the physical presence and athleticism the Bulldogs needed. He has kicked three goals from as many games as well as assisting in the backline where needed. His versatility and experience could prove the match winner against North Melbourne.
To see the full team list for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne, click here.
