Tweet
This game has been marked down as a thank you for our emergency services personnel with 30,000 free tickets available.
Head to Head
North have won the past 5 clashes and we have to go back four years to round 8 2005 for the last Bulldogs win, although Brad Johnston could have won the game for the Dogs in round 9 2008 with a kick after the siren.
Round 19, 10 Aug 2008 Docklands Stadium North defeats WB 136-116
Round 9, 25 May 2008 Docklands Stadium WB defeated by North 110-113
Round 22, 2 Sep 2007 Docklands Stadium WB defeated by North 93-157
Round 13, 1 Jul 2007 MCG North defeats W B 111-85
Round 14, 9 Jul 2006 MCG WB defeated by North 82-94
Round 8, 14 May 2005 Docklands Stadium North defeated by WB 92-118
Form
Both teams come off a good win in round one, although Melbourne threatened an upset for the first three quarters before North put them away in the last quarter. The Bulldogs had to travel to the West and have a history of losing the following weeks games after travelling to Subiaco. The Bulldogs were the most impressive team in round one and the fitness factor will be tested this week.
Injury List
Western Bulldogs
Robert Murphy – conflicting reports in the media as to whether he is out for three more weeks or may play on Sunday - Test
Paul O’Shea (Hip) Indefinite
Chris Ogle (glandular fever) 4 weeks
Tim Callan
Easton Wood
North Melbourne
Matt Riggio (shin) 2 weeks
Jesse Smith (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Liam Anthony (foot) 4-6 weeks
Key Match – ups
Petrie v Williams – On his day Petrie can be very damaging through his contested marking ability. Williams needs to ensure he doesn’t allow Petrie any leeway and needs to use his ability to read the play to nullify any effect Petrie can have on the game.
Rawlings v Griffen/Cooney – depending on who he picks up, Rawlings has the ability to tag players as well as gather high possessions.
Lake v Hale – Lake will have his hands full with the tall forward line as North will try and stretch the Bulldogs. McIntosh drifted down there a few times in round one and kicked a handy three goals.
X-Factor – North
Harvey seems to grow legs against the Bulldogs and rarely puts in a bad game and could be the difference in the end.
X-Factor – Western Bulldogs
Ryan Griffen set the game up last week against Fremantle with a blistering first quarter. North will find it hard to tag Griffen and if he can play a consistent four quarters, he may well be the most influential player on the ground.
The Verdict
Although North seemingly has the wood over the Bulldogs over the past few seasons, this outfit is much fitter and stronger than previous years. The Bulldogs midfield will be the difference in the end………….Dogs by 27 points
Head to Head
North have won the past 5 clashes and we have to go back four years to round 8 2005 for the last Bulldogs win, although Brad Johnston could have won the game for the Dogs in round 9 2008 with a kick after the siren.
Round 19, 10 Aug 2008 Docklands Stadium North defeats WB 136-116
Round 9, 25 May 2008 Docklands Stadium WB defeated by North 110-113
Round 22, 2 Sep 2007 Docklands Stadium WB defeated by North 93-157
Round 13, 1 Jul 2007 MCG North defeats W B 111-85
Round 14, 9 Jul 2006 MCG WB defeated by North 82-94
Round 8, 14 May 2005 Docklands Stadium North defeated by WB 92-118
Form
Both teams come off a good win in round one, although Melbourne threatened an upset for the first three quarters before North put them away in the last quarter. The Bulldogs had to travel to the West and have a history of losing the following weeks games after travelling to Subiaco. The Bulldogs were the most impressive team in round one and the fitness factor will be tested this week.
Injury List
Western Bulldogs
Robert Murphy – conflicting reports in the media as to whether he is out for three more weeks or may play on Sunday - Test
Paul O’Shea (Hip) Indefinite
Chris Ogle (glandular fever) 4 weeks
Tim Callan
Easton Wood
North Melbourne
Matt Riggio (shin) 2 weeks
Jesse Smith (hamstring) 4-5 weeks
Liam Anthony (foot) 4-6 weeks
Key Match – ups
Petrie v Williams – On his day Petrie can be very damaging through his contested marking ability. Williams needs to ensure he doesn’t allow Petrie any leeway and needs to use his ability to read the play to nullify any effect Petrie can have on the game.
Rawlings v Griffen/Cooney – depending on who he picks up, Rawlings has the ability to tag players as well as gather high possessions.
Lake v Hale – Lake will have his hands full with the tall forward line as North will try and stretch the Bulldogs. McIntosh drifted down there a few times in round one and kicked a handy three goals.
X-Factor – North
Harvey seems to grow legs against the Bulldogs and rarely puts in a bad game and could be the difference in the end.
X-Factor – Western Bulldogs
Ryan Griffen set the game up last week against Fremantle with a blistering first quarter. North will find it hard to tag Griffen and if he can play a consistent four quarters, he may well be the most influential player on the ground.
The Verdict
Although North seemingly has the wood over the Bulldogs over the past few seasons, this outfit is much fitter and stronger than previous years. The Bulldogs midfield will be the difference in the end………….Dogs by 27 points
Comment