North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs: AFL Thursday preview

Western Bulldogs have emerged as genuine premiership contenders and will be out for another four points against North Melbourne on Thursday evening.

The Bulldogs have won the last three AFL games on the bounce and have set their sights firmly set on a place in the top four.

That would boost their chances of going all the way and winning the grand final and confidence appears to be growing in the Bulldogs' camp.

However, there can be no room for complacency as they prepare to take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.

The Kangaroos have four wins this season, two in their last five games and on their day are capable of claiming another.

It was tight when the two sides met in round one this season and the Roos will be out to run the Bulldogs close once again.

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs betting preview

North sent crashing by Hawthorn

North Melbourne were on a high after they picked up an 11-point win over Carlton in round 15, but they came crashing back down to earth at the weekend.

Hawthorn smashed them by 85 points and the Kangaroos need to pick themselves up and get ready to go again.

They can take heart from the fact it was close in round one, with the Bulldogs winning by just 16 points.

North scored 97 points in that game, with star forward Nick Larkey booting five goals, while he also kicked another five against Hawthorn.

Larkey will need to be on top form again if the Kangaroos are to win this one and they can be backed at 6.50 to win the game by 1-39 points.

Despite the heavy loss to the Hawks, Colby McKercher was also a bright spark, collecting 34 disposals in the game.

Both he and Harry Sheezel will be players to watch against the Bulldogs.

Bulldogs are showing their bite

The Bulldogs impressed with a gritty win over Sydney at the SCG on Friday night and now have three wins in a row.

Not only that, but they have also scored over 100 points in each of those three games and will look to do the same to North Melbourne.

If they click, a big win could be on the cards, and the Bulldogs can be backed at 2.00 to win by 40+ points.

The Bulldogs have won the last three meetings by 16, 96 and 17 points respectively.

Having young gun Sam Darcy back fit and in the side is a huge boost for the Bulldogs.

He booted another three goals against Sydney and will be a key player once again on Thursday night.

Read more AFL previews on site

North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs odds

North Melbourne - 6.25
Western Bulldogs - 1.12

View the full market and more odds for North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs on site

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.