The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs

WHERE AND WHEN: Etihad Stadium, Saturday July 28, 2.10pm
LAST TIME: North Melbourne 19.10 (124) d Melbourne 12.11 (83), round eight, 2011 at Etihad Stadium
TV, RADIO AND BETTING: Click here for broadcast guide and odds

Melbourne has not beaten North Melbourne since 2006 and that losing streak is likely to continue this round. Having forced its way back into the top eight last Sunday with its win over Richmond, North will be hell bent on bolstering its finals hopes with a win over the Demons. Form suggests it will do so comfortably. The Kangaroos have been outstanding in the past six rounds, defeating second-placed Adelaide and finals contenders St Kilda, Carlton and Richmond. On the other hand, the Demons have only beaten Essendon and Greater Western Sydney this season.

THE FOUR POINTS
NORTH MELBOURNE
1. Having clinched a spot in the eight, the Roos are within reach of their first finals appearance since 2008. The question is how many games will it take to cement their place in September. Given ninth-placed St Kilda's superior percentage, the Roos may need to win four of their last six games. They will start strong favourites against the Demons and subsequent games against the Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney. Win those and they would only need to win one of their remaining games against Essendon, Collingwood and Fremantle.

2. Key forward Drew Petrie has been outstanding recently, equalling his career-best goal haul (seven) in each of North's past two games, against Carlton and Richmond. Although the Kangaroos will be mindful of not becoming too Petrie-conscious, we expect they'll try to take advantage of Petrie's remarkable strength in one-on-one contests by isolating him and his direct opponent inside their forward 50.

3. North's defence has looked incredibly settled in recent rounds since Scott Thompson, Nathan Grima and Scott McMahon returned from injury and illness. Along with Michael Firrito, these three bring experience and maturity to the Kangaroos' back six that gives it a level of assuredness under pressure. Youngsters Shaun Atley and Jamie Macmillan have also have become vital parts of North's defence with their run and carry.

4. North's coach Brad Scott has not coached against Demons counterpart Mark Neeld before but knows him - and little doubt his football philosophies - well from their days as assistant coaches at Collingwood under former Magpies coach Mick Malthouse. Scott and Neeld spent two years together under Malthouse before Scott left to coach North at the end of 2009. Scott's last position at Collingwood was midfield coach, a role Neeld took over from 2010-11.

MELBOURNE
1. Melbourne can't find a goalkicker. It had 10 more inside 50s than Port Adelaide last week but could only manage 16 scoring shots from 55 inside 50 entries. For the second week in a row it went a quarter without scoring a goal, something it has done in eight games this season. With Jeremy Howe facing the Tribunal and Mitch Clark sidelined, the chances of the Demons kicking a winning score are remote.

2. Is it time to unleash the shackles and get some enjoyment and flair into their play for Brad Green's 250th game? The Demons showed in the first quarter against Freo they were capable of putting together good chains of possessions and moving the ball in a smart manner. Green can kick goals, Sam Blease is smart and Stefan Martin unpredictable.

3. North Melbourne has won its past nine against Melbourne and has always bristled at the suggestion the Demons have more talent on their list. Although injury-depleted and bereft of confidence, the Demons have some capacity to achieve an upset. They defeated Essendon when no one gave them a chance and will need to produce a similar performance to topple the in-form Kangaroos.

4. The Demons are at least winning the ball more now than they were earlier in the season and generating inside 50s. It might be worth switching Colin Garland forward, getting Jared Rivers back in defence and giving Jordan Gysberts his chance in the middle.

AFL.com.au prediction: North Melbourne by 53 points

The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs