1. Form
North Melbourne
Round 6: Lost to West Coast by 25 points; 15.5.95 to 17.18.120
Round 5: Defeated Gold Coast by 34 points; 17.25.127 to 13.15.93
Round 4: Lost to Sydney by 36 points; 10.17.77 to 17.11.113
Season: 3-3, 10th, 119.57%
North has been inconsistent so far this season, with promising performances often having been followed by a loss to put the team back a step. This week is another chance to steady the ship and for the Kangaroos to force their way back into the top eight.
Western Bulldogs
Round 6: Lost to Collingwood by 21 points; 11.11.77 to 15.8.98
Round 5: Defeated GWS by 42 points; 15.14.104 to 9.8.62
Round 4: Defeated Melbourne by 21 points; 13.10.88 to 9.13.67
Season: 2-4, 13th, 83.94%
After a slow start to the year, the Bulldogs have found their groove in recent weeks. Two successive wins over Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne were followed a spirited showing against the Magpies. Brendan McCartney’s team were in the game deep into the final quarter before late goals to Collingwood handed them a tough loss.
2. Last time they met
Round 17, 2011, Etihad Stadium
North Melbourne 3.3.21, 11.7.73, 13.11.89, 21.16.142
Western Bulldogs 5.3.33, 7.4.46, 13.6.84, 17.9.111
Goals: Petrie (5), Campbell (3), Edwards (2), Hansen (2), Harvey (2), Pedersen (2), Adams (1), Harper (1), McMahon (1), Speight (1), Ziebell (1)
Brownlow Medal: 3 - Jack Ziebell (NM), 2 - Daniel Wells (NM), 1 - Drew Petrie (NM)
In a shootout reminiscent of an era past, North Melbourne had two eight-goal quarters while being outscored in the other two by at least two majors.
This game is most remembered for the arrival of Jack Ziebell as a top-line player. In a spectacular effort, Ziebell collected 41 possessions, six tackles and the three Brownlow votes.
3. Dream Team watch
North Melbourne
Andrew Swallow
The North Melbourne captain scored 126 Dream Team points against West Coast. That tally was almost 30 more than the next Kangaroos player. His average is just under 100 points for the season, with just one score below 90.
Dream Team Wrap: Round 6
Western Bulldogs
Matthew Boyd
Despite a score of 94 on Friday night, well below his standards, Boyd is averaging 113 points a game so far in 2012. The Bulldogs’ number five has had a staggering four scores of 115 or more in just six rounds, leaving him ninth in total points across the competition.
4. Experienced campaigners
North Melbourne
Brent Harvey
Harvey's last four games against the Bulldogs have been remarkably consistent, yielding possession tallies of 28, 28, 27 and 26. His increased goal-scoring capacity this season; 10 in six games, will come in handy on the fast track at Etihad Stadium.
Western Bulldogs
Daniel Cross
Cross has continued his ever-consistent form in 2012, averaging more than 28 disposals a game. His willingness to throw his body into dangerous situations and get first hands on the ball is reflected by the fact he’s had 13 free kicks in the first six rounds.
An element of Cross' game that often gets overlooked is his ability to be an effective third man up at ruck contests. He is averaging almost three hit-outs per game so far this season.
5. The importance of a win
North Melbourne
North has lost both its away matches on the road to West Coast and Sydney. With another trip looming at AAMI Stadium next week, a defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs would bring the Kangaroos right back to the pack with three wins and four losses.
Western Bulldogs
Following this week's match, the Bulldogs must travel to Darwin, followed by huge challenges against Geelong and then Sydney at the SCG. Needless to say, it makes this Sunday a critical game.
6. Key players
North Melbourne
Daniel Wells
After a blistering start to the season, Wells has been uncharacteristically quiet over the last three weeks. He showed glimpses of getting back to his best against the Eagles, but will need to find the ball more consistently and for longer periods to have an influence on Sunday afternoon.
Western Bulldogs
Ryan Griffen
When on his game, Griffen is the Bulldogs' most explosive player and capable of turning a match on its head in rapid time. In last year's meeting between the two sides, Griffen was held reasonably quiet and it proved a key to North taking the four points.
Similar time and effort will have to be invested in Griffen again this Sunday for the Kangaroos get the same result.
7. Unsung Heroes
North Melbourne
Scott Thompson
In arguably his best season to date, Thompson leads North Melbourne in marks and has been a revelation with his last-line defence saving many goals. The coaching staff clearly regard Thompson as one of the most important players in the team; his 99 percent time on ground is an equal high with Michael Firrito. He also sits third at the club for rebound 50's.
Western Bulldogs
Ryan Hargrave
After an injury-plagued 2011, Hargrave has returned to the Bulldogs line-up fit and firing. In his five games this season he has provided stability to the backline and like Thompson, leads his team in marks. His ability to read the play and do damage running the other way as a loose man in defence can throw an opposition forward structure out of sync.
8. Key match-up
Drew Petrie v Brian Lake
Petrie's form has been a point of discussion over the last few weeks, but the North Melbourne coaching staff are content with the way he has been playing. If he comes up against Lake, the match-up becomes one of critical importance.
The Bulldogs defence is undermanned in the absence of Dale Morris, Easton Wood and Tom Williams, meaning the job of manning the likes of Petrie and Aaron Edwards becomes more difficult.
Lake was in fine form last week particularly in the first half on Travis Cloke, but if Petrie can find touch and open the door for his fellow forwards it will go a long way towards winning the match.
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 13th May 2012, 1.10pm
Etihad Stadium
Gates open at 11.30am.
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