• The last time North Melbourne had a Friday night game this early in the home and away season was in 2009.
On that night the Kangaroos faced Collingwood. Coming off a disappointing loss to Richmond, North fell to the Magpies by 52 points at Etihad Stadium.
• North’s last Friday night game in Perth against West Coast was in 1994.
At the no longer used WACA ground, Denis Pagan's team faced the eventual premiers. Trailing by 40 points at three quarter time, the Kangaroos almost pulled off a miraculous comeback. Six goals in the final term, after kicking just three up until that point gave North a sniff, but ultimately it fell nine points short.
• It’s North’s first interstate Friday night game since facing Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in Round 16, 2006.
In Mark Ricciuto’s 300th game, the Kangaroos were defeated by 72 points. Interestingly, Andrew Swallow kicked his first career goal during the game.
• Swallow excels against West Coast, posting statistical highs in multiple categories.
The captain averages 23.7 disposals and 3 free kicks per game against the Eagles, his highest against any club. His 7.5 tackles per game rank second.
• North’s record at Patersons Stadium against the Eagles is five wins and 10 losses.
Currently the Kangaroos are on a three-match losing streak at the venue against West Coast, with their last win coming in Brent Harvey’s 300th game in Round 21, 2010.
• Harvey’s career-high of 44 disposals came against the Eagles in Round 3, 2010.
• Dean Cox’s career-high in marks, 15, came against North in Round 15, 2012.
The Eagles' ruckman has 15 goals against the Kangaroos, bettered only by his 17 against Sydney.
• Only once has a Roo kicked more than six goals against the Eagles.
That player was John Longmire. In 1990, he kicked eight against West Coast at the MCG in a 28-point victory.
• North’s highest ever score against the Eagles came at Patersons Stadium.
Surprisingly it came in 2001, which was the first year the Kangaroos hadn’t made the finals since 1992. The tally of 24.10.154 was good enough for a 44-point victory.
Written with assistance from Ange Cristoforo
