In a finals-like atmosphere, the Bulldogs secured their spot in the top eight with a 23-point win over fellow finalists North Melbourne.

Lachie Hunter continued his impressive run of form with 33 disposals, while Marcus Bontempelli had a game-high 10 clearances.

While Bontempelli only had 22 disposals, 17 of those were contested – a feature of the young Dog’s season.

Most significantly, he prevailed as one of the Bulldogs’ best despite the close attention of North’s in-form stopper Ben Jacobs. 

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said he was pleased with the performance heading into the Club’s first finals campaign since 2010.

"To win another arm-wrestle type game against a very good opponent … it's a reminder that you can hold sway in the heat of the battle.
 
"When it's an opponent that's played in a preliminary final recently and is touted to press at the end of the year, that gives us a bit more belief.”