<p>It’s a Shinboner celebration to kick off Round 17 as North Melbourne celebrates 100 years in the VFL/AFL competition this week.</p> <p>It’s set to be a smorgasbord of greats of Arden St, with all the famous names who have put the club on the map set to return for a big celebration, honouring the premiership teams and all those who have made the club what it is.</p> <p>To mark the occasion, it’s a rare trip to Thursday night lights for the Kangaroos, as they come to Marvel Stadium to host the Western Bulldogs in what is set to be a massive game and week for the footy club.</p> <p>The Roos came crashing back to earth last Saturday as they were handed an 85-point drubbing by Hawthorn down in Launceston. They conceded 86 points in the first half in a horrible defensive display… and to make matters worse, they lost a few key pieces to their lineup ahead of the big night.</p> <p>The Dogs' momentum kept on rolling as they accounted for the Swans away from home. They were made to work for it by a Swans team that has finally gotten its act together, but these Dogs have again proven themselves to be one of the more mature teams in the competition.</p> <p>A win for the Dogs could see them rise to third place on the ladder and put them right back into top-four calculations after a little period when they were even battling for the top eight.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the selection front, the Roos are set to lose two key players for the big night. Starboy George Wardlaw suffered a concussion in the loss to the Hawks and is now in protocols, while senior defender Luke McDonald finished the game wearing a sling.</p> <p>Other star Harry Sheezel also finished the game with a shoulder complaint but looks set to take his place on Thursday night. Several Roos pressed their claim for a recall with Zane Duursma (three goals), Bailey Scott (26 touches), and Cooper Harvey (24 touches) all performing well in the twos.</p> <p>At the Dogs, they emerged from the Swans game with a clean bill of health (thank god for that after playing on that surface) and could go into the game unchanged off the six-day break.</p> <p>Youngster Josh Dolan responded to being left out of the side with just 12 possessions, while young forward Riley Garcia pressed his claim for a recall with 30 disposals, 10 tackles, and eight clearances against the Swans in the VFL.&nbsp;</p> <p>Will the Dogs spoil the party? Or will all the Roos be joining in the chorus by the end of the night?</p> <p>For the latest team news, analysis, odds, and betting tips, check out our Roos vs Dogs prediction and preview below.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Predicted Teams</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>North Melbourne Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Riley Hardeman, Toby Pink, Kallan Dawson</p> <p>HB: Caleb Daniel, Griffin Logue, Harry Sheezel</p> <p>C: Dylan Stephens, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin</p> <p>HF: Luke Parker, Nick Larkey, Colby McKercher</p> <p>F: Paul Curtis, Jack Darling, Cam Zurhaar</p> <p>Foll: Tristan Xerri, Tom Powell, Will Dawson</p> <p>Int: Zane Duursma, Zac Fisher, Robert Hansen Jr., Jacob Konstanty, Finn O’Sullivan</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Western Bulldogs Predicted Team List</h3> <p>B: Nick Coffield, James O’Donnell, Bailey Williams</p> <p>HB: Jason Johannisen, Rory Lobb, Bailey Dale</p> <p>C: Ryley Sander, Ed Richards, Sam Davidson</p> <p>HF: Joel Freijah, Aaron Naughton, Matt Kennedy</p> <p>F: Laitham Vandermeer, Sam Darcy, Rhylee West</p> <p>Foll: Tim English, Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore</p> <p>Int: Lachie Bramble, Lachie McNeil, James Harmes, Cooper Hynes, Buku Khamis&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne vs Western Bulldogs Prediction &amp; Betting Tips</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Head-to-Head Prediction</h3> <p>The Dogs have dominated the Roos in recent times, winning eight of the last 10 head-to-head battles.</p> <p>The two sides met back in Round one, where the depleted Dogs came away with a comfortable three-goal win.&nbsp;</p> <p>With almost their full complement available, and having gone through the year learning about their list, the Dogs are a formidable unit for the Roos this week.&nbsp;</p> <p>The Dogs are the number one attacking team in the competition, and of their nine wins so far this season, five have been in excess of 10 goals.&nbsp;</p> <p>With the Roos still ranking second bottom for defence, despite their improved form over the past month, we can’t see them matching the Dogs' firepower.</p> <p>Maybe the sense of occasion gets them up and running to fight it to the end and show the Shinboner spirit, but we think the Dogs will be spoiling the party when this one is said and done.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-western-bulldogs-9340329">Bulldogs</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>First Goal Prediction</h3> <p>It’s hard to go past the man mountain/ the next big thing/footy's newest unicorn, Sam Darcy, here for the first goal of the game, mainly because we can’t find a matchup on the Roos side who will be able to contain him 1v1.</p> <p>He had three first-half goals last week, including one absolutely outrageous one from the pocket. We think he scores first here and it’s one of another big, big bag.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-western-bulldogs-9340329">Sam Darcy</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h3>Most Disposals Prediction</h3> <p>There aren’t too many footy fans who don’t love Marcus Bontempelli. Everyone was rapt to see the Dogs get the win for him in his 20th game last week. And for Marcus Bontempelli, there aren’t too many other clubs that he loves playing against more than North Melbourne.</p> <p>Averaging 32 possessions per game in each of his last five games against the Roos, we’re backing the champ to go big again.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Betting tip:</strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/australian-rules/afl/north-melbourne-v-western-bulldogs-9340329">Marcus Bontempelli 30+ disposals</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Western Bulldogs Match Details</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, July 3, 2025</p> <p><strong>First Bounce:</strong> 7:30 PM AEST</p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Marvel Stadium, Melbourne</p> <p><strong>How to watch:</strong> Channel 7, Fox Footy/ Kayo Sports</p>