Bulldogs’ coach Luke Beveridge is expecting a much different North Melbourne side, to the one they beat two times last season. 

“Their defensive system’s changed, the way they move the ball at times is not too dissimilar but they’re not quite as tall as they used to be,” Beveridge said. 

“What they’ve done with some of their changes and personnel has obviously been able to gain them some territory on the ladder ... We’ll need to bring our best to challenge them.”

The Bulldogs have received a boost on the eve of the match with Beveridge declaring Marcus Bontempelli a certain starter despite hurting his knee last week.

"He'll definitely play," Beveridge said.

"We won't do much (training) today, he's done all his work (this week), and we all got a bit of a shock when we saw him hyperextend his knee over in Adelaide.

"There was talk about black cats, (walking under) ladders and all that sort of stuff, but he's fine and recovered really well."

Toby McLean (shoulder) will also play, with veteran Dale Morris to return from knee surgery.

"His reputation continues to grow, doesn't it?" Beveridge said of Morris.

"It was a bit of a surprise because we thought he might be another week, but his recovery has been astronomical."

The Dogs will be without Easton Wood (hamstring), Jack Macrae (hamstring) and utility Lukas Webb (thumb)