North Melbourne will be out to kickstart its 2025 season in positive fashion against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The Kangaroos, who are set to unleash No.2 draft pick Finn O'Sullivan, have an opportunity to break their hoodoo against the Bulldogs, who have been the better side in each of the clubs' last seven meetings.

Round 1, Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
Where: Marvel Stadium, VIC
When: Saturday, March 15 at 1.35pm AEDT
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

Although the Bulldogs came away winners over Hawthorn in their Community Series matchup, the focus has been on their injury list in the build-up to Round 1.

Captain Marcus Bontempelli is set to miss due to a calf issue, while Liam Jones, Cody Weightman and Adam Treloar have also been ruled out.

Bailey Dale and Ed Richards are pushing to be available after interrupted pre-seasons but will need to get through main training to be considered for selection.

Despite some notable absentees, the Bulldogs boast several stars who can tear games apart. Tom Liberatore (23 disposals, 10 clearances) set the tone in midfield when the Roos and Dogs last met and will need to be checked closely, while Sam Darcy booted seven goals and is sure to be someone for whom the Roos' coaching staff will be preparing extra thoroughly.

Keep an eye on

Finn O'Sullivan…

The young gun from Koroit has earned an early chance to showcase his talent on the big stage in his rookie season, after learning earlier in the week that he'll be making his debut in Round 1.

Classy, versatile and evasive, O'Sullivan has impressed since arriving at Arden Street in late November and stood out in the club's pre-season clashes with Melbourne and West Coast.

In Bunbury against the Eagles, he tallied 18 disposals, nine intercepts and eight marks, solidifying his spot in Alastair Clarkson's first 23 of the year.

… and Caleb Daniel

The 2016 premiership player and best and fairest winner will front up against his former side on Saturday night, after North Melbourne acquired the defender in the 2024 Trade Period.

For years, Daniel was one of the Bulldogs' main playmakers off half-back under coach Luke Beveridge, using his elite kicking and sharp decision-making to spark attacks from defence. Now, he's Clarkson's weapon to deploy, setting the stage for an intriguing start to the No.5's life as a Roo.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday: "They're a really, really competitive outfit. We've just got to be going full throttle and hope that it's good enough to be really competitive against the Dogs. It's boring language really, when you just talk about [following] the process and the outcome will look after itself, but that's generally what we're after. We're just looking to compete deeper into games."