Much of the pre-game preparation and analysis revolves around who plays on who, and today kangaroos.com.au looks at some of the potential match-ups that could go a long way towards determining the outcome of the game.
Brady Rawlings v Stephen Hill
The two faced off in round 19 last year and it was all Rawlings. Given the job of shutting down the dangerous Hill, the more experienced player won out on the day.
He kept the Fremantle youngster to just seven possessions, but it was perhaps the damage he did on the rebound that was most impressive.
Rawlings racked up 39 possessions and played a massive role in North's upset win.
While he'll have a mental edge over Hill from that experience, the Dockers' number 32 has taken his game to a new level so far in 2011 and his dynamic pace and skill is sure to have Rawlings on his toes.
Sandilands/Bradley v Goldstein/Petrie/Pedersen
Sandilands' influence cannot be underestimated. While in previous years Fremantle struggled to capitalise on his dominance from the ruck, now his teammates are taking full advantage and winning the ball from the centre more often than not.
The 211cm giant is becoming more influential around the ground too, but he'll face some stiff competition from North's Todd Goldstein who can also cover plenty of territory.
Kepler Bradley has become an important player too. His ability to get forward and take strong marks and kick goals is a rare asset.
Likewise Petrie at the other end of the field is a tough proposition for any defender. Petrie's time in the ruck could be affected by the possible inclusion of Cameron Pedersen, but either way he's a more than capable back-up in the absence of Hamish McIntosh.
Will North Melbourne go head to head with the league's highest tap-winner, or is it more a case of conceding the tap and trying to hurt the Dockers around the ground with Goldstein's athleticism?
Brent Harvey v Ryan Crowley/Matt de Boer/Jay Van Berlo/Nick Suban
Mark Harvey was giving little away when asked on who would match up on the 300-game champion, despite talk of Ryan Crowley being given the job.
“We’re developing other players for those sorts of roles,” Harvey said.
“(Matt) de Boer would be a player that we might look at in that area. We might give a challenge to a younger player like Nick Suban. (Jay) Van Berlo’s done it in the past…he wasn’t in the side last week.."
Van Berlo kept Harvey to just ten possessions the last time the two sides met at Patersons Stadium, but the North Melbourne captain reversed the tables in round 20, racking up 34 possessions seemingly without a designated opponent in sight
Whoever gets the job is sure to have their work cut out on the North Melbourne captain.
Matthew Pavlich v Nathan Grima
Considering Grima's efforts on Pavlich the last time the two teams met, he looks a given to be handed the job again.
Grima had an injury interrupted pre-season and has been eased back into the fray, but this looms as a massive challenge.
The big question is though; will Pavlich play up forward or through the midfield as he's done in recent weeks?
Pavlich has had 77 possessions over the first three rounds and rallies the troops around him, but with the Dockers yet to kick over 15 goals in a game he could be thrown into more of an attacking role.
Lachlan Hansen v Antoni Grover/Luke McPharlin
If not for some inaccurate kicking at goal in round one, Hansen could have gone a long way towards winning North Melbourne the match.
He was quieter in round two, and now faces a tough battle against either of Fremantle's key defenders, Grover and McPharlin.
The introduction of Pedersen as a back-up ruckman would allow Petrie to get forward more, giving Hansen a helping hand without a lot of tall timber around him otherwise.
Grover isn't a big possession winner, but he's been solid as a rock in defence this year. His versatility is highlighted by the fact he spent time on the likes of Paul Chapman, James Podsiadly and Steve Johnson against the Cats a fortnight ago.
McPharlin generally gets the opposition's best forward, and looks primed for Petrie when he's there.
Aaron Edwards and Ben Warren throw another spanner in the works if they are included, with Adam McPhee able to play small or tall.
