North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley has dismissed the Kangaroos' recent domination over the Western Bulldogs as irrelevant heading into Sunday's game at Telstra Dome.

North have established a psychological edge in recent encounters, beating the Bulldogs the past three times the sides have met.

But Laidley said the teams were different in terms of personnel now and past results mattered little.

"They're up and running," Laidley said.

"All their very best players have got good form and their fitness is very good, so it's completely different to probably the last two maybe three times we've played them.

"They're more mature now, they've played more games of football, they're a little bit more seasoned and the stars are certainly aligning for them.

"They're gelling well, their senior players are still playing good footy, but some players who have been there for three, four, five and six years now are really taking over the mantle and they've got a real look about them."

Sunday's game will mark Kangaroo rover Brent Harvey's 250th match but, while acknowledging the achievement, Laidely said he would not play up the milestone.

"I'll probably downplay it a little bit and make sure that we focus on our actions because I think you can use it in the right way, which is terrific, but it can become quite negative", he said.

"He's just been a wonderful player. I've had the privilege to coach him now for six years in his career.

"He's been a super player and he's really rounded off his game in the last 18 months or so.

"By the time he finishes playing he's going to be one of the all-time greats, certainly of this football club, and of the league," he said.

Harvey, typically, was more intent on the match.

"I just want to make sure we win this week," he said.

"It's a big game and I know it's my 250th, but the Western Bulldogs haven't been beaten and we want to go out there and have a win. That's the most important thing."

One of the game's most effective rovers, Harvey has an impressive CV.

He is a premiership player, a triple best-and-fairest winner and a three-time All-Australian.

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