North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Preview & Prediction | 2025 AFL | Regular Season

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Round 17 kicks off on Thursday at Marvel Stadium with Western Bulldogs facing a North Melbourne side that is not only struggling for wins but has been decimated by a brutal injury toll, forcing them into this clash on a short five-day break after a damaging loss

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – Some matches are televised on Fox Sports channels

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ & Watch AFL / US – Watch AFL

The prediction

North Melbourne (16th) enters this match at its lowest ebb of the season, coming off a crushing 85-point defeat to Hawthorn in Launceston (150-65). Their form over the last five matches has been a volatile LWLWL, highlighting their inability to string together consistent performances.

In a Kangaroos team that was comprehensively beaten, Nick Larkey stood tall, booting five goals. He also kicked five in his Round 1 clash with the Bulldogs, and his ability to provide a target and convert will be North's most likely avenue to a competitive score.

The Western Bulldogs (7th) are riding a wave of momentum, having secured three consecutive victories. They arrive with confidence high after a hard-fought, high-pressure 9-point win against Sydney at the SCG (105-96) in maybe the match of the season so far.

Western Bulldogs' Joel Freijah enjoyed a stunning breakout performance in his captain's 250th game. Against the Swans, Freijah was the difference-maker, pushing forward to kick 4 crucial goals from his 23 disposals and 7 marks.

The Bulldogs have already tasted victory against the Kangaroos this season, grinding out a 16-point win (113-97) in their Round 1 clash at Marvel Stadium. This victory continued a period of overwhelming dominance for the Bulldogs in this matchup. They currently hold a seven-game winning streak against North Melbourne, with an average winning margin of 53 points across their last eight encounters.

The physical and mental toll on North Melbourne cannot be overstated. An 85-point drubbing, a five-day turnaround, and a growing injury list is a recipe for disaster. This is compounded by the fact they are facing a Bulldogs side whose scoring prowess is on full display, having scored 100+ points in eight of their last ten games.

We think this could get ugly for the Kangaroos and the Bulldogs will put them to the sword early.

North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs tip: Western Bulldogs to win by 40+ points