Australian Football League R9 Western Bulldogs Vs North Melbourne Kangaroos 05/22 0010EST

Tonight's write-up bought to you by Gambling: "Because If you must play, decide upon three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time" - Old Chinese Proverb

With wins over the Hawks at Tasmania and both Melbourne and Adelaide at Etihad the North Melbourne Kangaroos have had a productive month of football, winning three of four games with the only blemish coming in Round 7 when they were thumped by Collingwood at the MCG. Conversely The Bulldogs had to shake off a slow start to overrun Sydney by 38 points at Manaka Oval with Barry Hal kicking 5 goals. The Bulldogs too have won three from their past four starts with wins over the Swans, Melbourne and Adelaide, only losing a close one to the Saints in Round 6.

Crowd pleasing Kangaroos mid fielder Brent Harvey doesn't kick many goals (10 from eight games this year) but when he does they generally make it to the highlight reel, such is the effort he puts in around the ground, so keep a watchful eye out for this man. Liam Picken has a chance to come into the side after overcoming an ankle injury and in true form he managed to recover in three weeks less than was initially diagnosed. He hasn't played since round three, but with an engine to rival Daniel Cross and a tenacity to lock down top midfielders, this is a player the Roos don't want to make the final side.

Although the Dogs have won the previous two outings, they have not beaten North Melbourne at Etihad since Round 8, 2005. Can they overcome the hard surface and secure a win? The Roos say Hamish McIntosh and David Hale are in doubt. Is Todd Goldstein up to handling Ben Hudson and Will Minson solo?

The Dogs will welcome back Ryan Griffen, possibly their best tagger in Picken and will benefit from a happy Hall, fresh from his five-goal outing. The Roos could be without their two big men, finished slow last week against Adelaide, and will not be able to withstand the experience of the Dogs' midfield. My pick is Western Bulldogs -24.5 (-103 available at pinnacle) for 1 unit.




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