Dogs’ coach Luke Beveridge is expecting a different test from North Melbourne when the two sides meet on Saturday.

“They’ve changed,” Beveridge told the media on Friday. 

“They are a different side at the moment with the way they are defending and moving the ball, so we are expecting a different North Melbourne outfit.” 

Recent history suggests the clash could be close, with the last four meetings decided by seven points or less.

“As far as North Melbourne goes, they’ve beaten Adelaide and Carlton, and we won’t underestimate them, that’s for sure,” Beveridge added. 

“They’ve probably started to get going over the last month and we have to ensure we don’t fuel that. North have always been a more mature and physically bigger side than us. We’ve found a way to beat them at different times, and they’ve got us here and there. 

“They have been pretty dour contested games recently. Historically they’ve played longer kicking down the line and a lot of talls against us.” 

One man who has been influential in recent meetings is forward Ben Brown, with nine goals in the two most recent contests. 

“He’s a concern for most teams. His highest point stuff is pretty good, and he covers a lot of ground as well,” Beveridge said. 

“Whoever might be standing on him at any point in time will need assistance in the air and we will endeavor to do that. 

“The main challenge is to limit the supply, so we hope to get our hands on the ball and starve them a little bit.”