North Melbourne will look to make it two wins from two home games in Western Australia against Fremantle on Saturday night at Optus Stadium.

The Roos edged over the line against an inaccurate Eagles outfit in Bunbury last Sunday, but will want to put in a stronger shift against the eighth-placed Dockers.

Round 14, North Melbourne v Fremantle
Where: Optus Stadium, Bunbury, WA
When: Saturday, June 14 at 5.35pm AWST (7.35pm AEST)
How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

Fremantle straightened the ship heading into their Round 13 bye, handily knocking off Greater Western Sydney and Port Adelaide before grinding out a win in the wet against Gold Coast at People First Stadium.

Dynamo Shai Bolton has been a key part of the Dockers' surge into the top eight, having booted seven goals across his past three appearances. He's also been the difference in midfield, providing burst from stoppages.

Running hot

Young rebounder Colby McKercher showed more evidence of his game-breaking capabilities at Hands Oval, racking up 35 disposals, eight rebound 50s and five score involvements in the 10-point victory.

Alongside ruckman Tristan Xerri, McKercher polled nine coaches' votes and could get some close attention from the Fremantle half-forwards on Saturday night.

In the mix

With Charlie Comben set to miss the next 2-3 weeks due to a shoulder injury, a position in Alastair Clarkson's backline has opened up.

Kallan Dawson shapes as a potential replacement, after gathering 12 disposals, five marks and three intercepts in the 13.7 (85) to 6.8 (44) VFL win over Werribee.

Youngster Matt Whitlock could also be around the mark for a recall. Eddie Ford would be a smaller alternative but has been a prolific interceptor since being thrown behind the ball in the VFL.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson post-game v West Coast: "We played a game against Collingwood a fortnight ago and it was their leaders that stood up in the last quarter. We’re pleased it was our turn for our leaders to step up.

"Big 'X' (Xerri) in the ruck was superb. Luke Parker, Jy Simpkin and Harry Sheezel were pivotal for us getting scoreboard ascendancy and keeping the game in our half, which we were unable to do for three quarters.

"We were staring down the barrel of defeat, so to win from that position is a real credit."