Despite losing its past five matches, Greater Western Sydney is finishing the season stronger than in previous years. Competitive against Geelong and Richmond over the past fortnight, GWS reduced a 113-point loss to the Tigers back in Round 10 to just 27 points at the MCG last Saturday.

The club is aiming to end its third season with at least one more victory, but could find the going tough against North Melbourne. The Kangaroos' last-start loss to the Cats left them in a dogfight in the bottom half of the top eight and they can't afford a slip-up at StarTrack Oval.

WHERE AND WHEN: StarTrack Oval, Saturday, August 9, 1.45pm AEST

TV AND RADIO: Click here for the broadcast guide

LAST THREE TIMES

R14, 2013, North Melbourne 19.16 (130) d GWS 6.8 (44) at Etihad Stadium
R23, 2012, North Melbourne 16.9 (105) d GWS 11.11 (77) at Spotless Stadium
R2, 2012, North Melbourne 28.15 (183) d GWS 8.6 (54) at Blundstone Arena

THE SIX POINTS

1. North Melbourne has had few troubles against GWS to date, winning all three contests between the teams by an average of 81 points.

2. Clearances are an area in which the GIANTS may be able to get on top – they are ranked equal second in the AFL with 40.6 per game. The Kangaroos are 14th.

3. GWS has played eight games in Canberra, with its lone victory coming against Gold Coast in round seven, 2012. North has a solid 4-2 interstate record in 2014.

4. Both sides boast strong ruck divisions, with GWS' Shane Mumford ranked second in the competition for average hit-outs per game. North's Todd Goldstein is sixth.

5. When these teams last met, in round 14 last year, Drew Petrie and Lindsay Thomas kicked nine goals between them, while Brent Harvey's 24 touches and three goals gave him the three Brownlow votes.

6. Callan Ward has been climbing the standings in the Official AFL Player Ratings. Ranked 43rd overall back in round five, he has risen to a career-high 17th entering round 20.