Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne, Marvel Stadium Saturday, March 15, 7.35pm AEDT

Last time: Western Bulldogs 20.18 (138) d North Melbourne 6.6 (42), R23 2024

What it means

The injury-ravaged Western Bulldogs look vulnerable as they prepare to start the season without several key parts of their best 22. But coach Luke Beveridge is unlikely to give his side any room for excuses as he enters the season under the blowtorch and the Bulldogs aim to make a fast start against a side that won only three matches last year.

North Melbourne is out to break a horror seven-match losing streak against the Bulldogs after being defeated by an average 58 points in all of their clashes since 2020. The Kangaroos now have an opportunity to break that hoodoo and live up to the promise of a new year with an emerging side with the Bulldogs starting the season weakened by an injury crisis.

Game shapers

Sam Darcy is ready to set the competition alight as he becomes the dominant force in the Bulldogs' forward line in the absence of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign with 38 goals from 21 matches last year but showed in the pre-season that he has the bulk to add more contested grabs to his game while remaining agile enough to have an impact at ground level.

Caleb Daniel has a point to prove as he comes up against his former Bulldogs teammates after a rollercoaster season at the club. The 2016 premiership player and former All-Australian was on the outer at times last year but looks revitalised after moving to the Kangaroos in the Trade Period and will now be a key to directing the young side with his elite decision-making and kicking off half-back.