kangaroos.com.au looks at some of the key discussion points heading into the game.
1. Form
North Melbourne
Last Week: Lost to Sydney by 17 points
In wet conditions at Bruce Purser Reserve NSW, North Melbourne played out a scrappy match with Sydney. It was in the second half when Sydney took control of the match after the Roos made five changes to their lineup.
Western Bulldogs
Last Week: Defeated Carlton by 5 points
Despite the loss of Tom Williams to a shoulder injury in the early stages of the match, the Bulldogs were impressive in their victory over Carlton. Their ball use was of an extremely high standard considering that it was their first full length game for the season.
2. Missing Stars
North Melbourne
Nathan Grima
While slippery conditions in Sydney last Saturday night meant the absence of Grima could be dealt with, Sunday could prove trickier. Liam Jones, Jarrad Grant and even Will Minson provide dangerous tall marking targets in the Bulldogs forward line. Without Grima the task of containing the trio gets a whole lot tougher.
Western Bulldogs
Tom Williams
The injury plagued key defender suffered yet another blow against Carlton as he dislocated his shoulder. Much like Grima for North Melbourne, the absence of Williams will be felt this week as they attempt to shutdown the likes of Drew Petrie, Robbie Tarrant and Hamish McIntosh or Todd Goldstein.
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| Nathan Grima's absence will be keenly felt on Sunday |
3. Dream Team
North Melbourne
Hamish McIntosh was the stand-out for North Melbourne with an impressive 104 points.
Click here for the comprehensive North Melbourne Dream Team wrap from Saturday night's game against Sydney
Western Bulldogs
To the surprise of no-one, Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen have worked their way back into peak DT form, scoring 99 and 114 points respectively against Carlton. However, the big name to keep an eye on is Ryan Hargrave. Regarded as a Dream Team must a few seasons ago, he seems to be recapturing that form; 27 disposals and 11 marks earned 105 points and serious consideration for many DT coaches.
4. Young Guns
Shaun Atley
In Saturday night's game against Sydney, Shaun Atley played off the half-back line and pushed up towards the wing. 19 disposals signified he was comfortable in the role he was given. Considering the free flowing nature of North Melbourne's game against the Bulldogs in the 2011 season, Atley could have a chance to significantly boost his possession tally.
Clay Smith
Picked at number 17 in the 2011 National Draft by the Western Bulldogs, Clay Smith has already shone in the NAB Cup. Another strong performance by the new number 14 could see him locked into a position in the senior side come round 1.
5. Ruck Duel
In last week's definitive preview, the issue of having two specialist ruckmen was discussed. However it became clear as the game unfolded, the plan was to get as much ruck time into Hamish McIntosh as possible as opposed to alternating him with Goldstein.
For the Bulldogs, Will Minson has been a revelation as the new number one ruckman. With the departure of Ben Hudson, Minson has answered the call. His four goals against Carlton is something Brad Scott would like out of his own ruckmen.
So with the season another week closer, McIntosh and Goldstein may work more in tandem.
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| Todd Goldstein could spend more time in the ruck against Will Minson |
6. Key Players
Daniel Wells
All eyes will be on Wells as he makes a return from life-threatening blood clots. The 26-year old will play his first game since being diagnosed six months ago. His ball use and decision making will be a timely addition to the team looking for its second win in Ballarat against the Dogs.
Brian Lake
After a nightmare 2011, Brian Lake's comeback is progressing well. In an impressive first half against Carlton, he seemed almost back to his best as he repeatedly came out the winner in one-on-one contests. Against the tall North Melbourne forward line he'll need to be on his game.
7. Conditions
In February, North Melbourne played an intra club match at Eureka Stadium. The intensity of that contest was not up to the standard that Sunday's will be, but the players will have grown accustomed to the conditions Ballarat provides. With strong support in the region, the Roos will be hoping to have a home ground advantage.
8. Where it could be won
A new coach and changes to their gameplan may pose some minor teething problems for the Bulldogs away from Etihad Stadium. It’s yet to be seen how they implement those changes on the road. One thing is certain, the Dogs are still precise by foot.
The Roos will be looking to pressure them into making errors but their own skills will have to be much improved on 2011. Wet conditions in Sydney made it difficult to see, but word around Aegis Park is that they’ve made big inroads in this area since last season.
9. NAB Cup Situation
North Melbourne
At one win and two losses, North Melbourne is unable to make the NAB Cup Grand Final.
Western Bulldogs
Sitting in eighth place on the NAB Cup ladder with one game to go, a lot would have to fall the way of the Dogs to earn a place in the Grand Final.
