North Melbourne will host the Western Bulldogs in prime time on Thursday, as the club looks to celebrate its VFL/AFL Centenary with a win.

The Roos will want to quickly move on from their Round 16 defeat to Hawthorn, while the Dogs are eyeing a fourth win on the trot.

Round 17, North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Where: Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
When: Thursday, July 3 at 7.30pm AEST 
How to watch: Channel 7, Foxtel, Kayo Sports

The opposition

The Western Bulldogs enter Round 17 fresh off a nine-point triumph over Sydney.

It was a rollercoaster clash at the SCG, with Joel Freijah proving to be the crucial cog for the visitors as he booted four goals from 23 disposals to help get his side over the line.

Key forwards Sam Darcy and Aaron Naughton both looked dangerous inside 50, and will be eager to back up their three-goal performances at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

What the coach has said

North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson on Tuesday: "We need to be strong in the contest because if an opposition gets the opportunity to be shoulders out like Hawthorn were last week then (Jack) Gunston kicks seven (goals), (Mabior) Chol kicks five and (Max) Ramsden kicks three.

"Anyone will kick goals if you can't compete in the contest through the middle of the ground strongly, so that's a key focus for us."

Last time we met

The two clubs last met in Round 1 this season, with the Dogs overcoming a plucky Roos outfit by 16 points in a sweltering Marvel Stadium.

The Roos trailed by just seven points at three-quarter time after Nick Larkey's fifth goal closed the margin, but despite a three-goal final-term cameo from Paul Curtis, the Dogs kicked away.

Big man Tristan Xerri (51 hitouts) dominated the ruck against Tim English and Sam Darcy to give first use to Tom Powell (27 touches), Harry Sheezel (31) and Jy Simpkin (30).