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The Western Bulldogs have caused an upset with a seven-point victory over finals-hopefuls the North Melbourne Kangaroos.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
North Melbourne 12.13 (85)
Western Bulldogs 13.14 (92)
Can the North Melbourne Kangaroos keep their finals hopes alive, when they host the Western Bulldogs in a Round 21 clash at Etihad Stadium? Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:10pm AEST.
North Melbourne battled against Brisbane last Saturday, taking a slim three-point win at the Gabba.
Challenged all day by the Lions, North Melbourne almost lost their lead in the final seconds when number-one-pick Cameron Rayner had a shot on goal, but luckily for the Kangaroos, Rayner missed and North took the win.
It’s a simple equation for the Kangaroos, they must keep winning for finals to remain a possibility.
The Western Bulldogs got back on the winner’s list last Saturday, with a 35-point victory over the ordinary Saints.
After St Kilda led for much of the first half, the Bulldogs lifted in the third quarter putting on eight goals to the Saints’ five behinds.
Marcus Bontempelli took his game forward and kick four goals for the Bulldogs in the third term, while Jack Macrae racked up 36 disposals for the game and hit the scoreboard with a goal as well.
In team news, North welcome back Shaun Higgins for this clash, with Nathan Hrovat omitted to make way.
Higgins returns from minor knee surgery, missing just the one game against Brisbane.
The Western Bulldogs have made one change as well, resting young Roarke Smith after he sustained a concussion against the Saints.
Billy Gowers will return to the side after missing two weeks with ankle soreness.
Last time the Roos and Dogs met was in round 14, where North took a two-point victory with a last-minute Jack Ziebell goal.
These two sides have had very close encounters in recent times with the last three games decided by three points or less.
Dale Morris is playing his 250th AFL game this weekend; the 35-year-old has battled serious injuries throughout his career, famously playing the Bulldogs’ 2016 finals campaign with a broken back.
Prediction
The Bulldogs will want to win to celebrate Morris’ 250th and pick up some confidence going into next season.
But with a finals-berth on the line, North Melbourne will be desperate for a win and get the four points here.
North Melbourne by 8 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match from 1:10pm AEST.
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