Round 22

Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
Thursday 6 August | 7:30pm AEST
Marvel Stadium, Docklands • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: 7AFL/7Plus, Kayo/Fox Footy (check your local broadcast guide)

LAST TIME WE MET

Round 17, 2025
North Melbourne 13.7 (85) def. by Western Bulldogs 

The Western Bulldogs spoiled North Melbourne's centenary celebrations, defeating the spirited Kangaroos outfit by 49 points on a Thursday night at Marvel Stadium.

After an arm wrestle in the first half, the Dogs broke away after half-time to kick 10 goals to North's five; key forwards from both teams had big nights with Roo Nick Larkey and Bulldog Aaron Naughton kicking five goals apiece,

Sam Darcy, who was held quiet for most of the night by young North defender Wil Dawson, finished with four goals, three of which came in the final term.

Key Dogs were the difference in the second half, with Marcus Bontempelli (25 disposals, 10 tackles, two goals), Ed Richards (26 disposals, nine clearances) and milestone man Tom Liberatore (27 disposals, 10 tackles, six clearances two goals) helping their side get ascendancy to break away.

THE LINE-UP

Check back on Wednesday at 6:20pm for the team announcement!

WHAT IT MEANS

by Martin Pagan/AFL.com.au 

The Western Bulldogs (12-8) shut down Fremantle with their defensive discipline before being blown away in the second half for a defeat that leaves its own top-six hopes hanging by a thread. The Dogs only booted five goals – including just one after half-time – against the Dockers in a sign the 14th-ranked scoring side needs more fluency in attack against the Roos, Blues and Demons on the run home.

GAME SHAPER

Ed Richards has had a stuttering season after moving into a full-time midfield role and claiming a first All-Australian nod last year but is on track to return to top form with Tom Liberatore back in the side. The 27-year-old has averaged 27.6 disposals, 6.6 clearances and 7.2 inside 50s in the past five matches alongside his onball partner as they give the Bulldogs better balance in the engine room.

A DOMINANT first quarter set North Melbourne up for an upset win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

The Roos ran out 15.10 (100) to 11.11 (77) winners after a see-sawing contest, beating the Dogs for the first time since 2019 and denying them the opportunity to lock in a finals spot with two rounds remaining.

Unlike previous winnable games when they crumbled late, the Kangaroos fended off the desperate Bulldogs, led by captain Marcus Bontempelli and fellow star Ed Richards.

A win against North would have guaranteed the Dogs a wildcard spot at least, but they will now need to beat Carlton or Melbourne to be assured of playing finals.

In a further concern for the Bulldogs, ruckman Tim English was in discomfort with his knee late in the final quarter and was assessed in the rooms.

WESTERN BULLDOGS        2.3    5.6    10.9    11.11 (77)
NORTH MELBOURNE    6.0    10.2    12.7    15.10 (100)
 
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, Kennedy 2, Hynes, Bontempelli, Freijah, Khamis, Richards, Liberatore, Davidson
North Melbourne: Curtis 4, Darling 2, Davies-Uniacke 2, Banch 2, Simpkin, Wardlaw, Spargo, Xerri, Parker

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Richards, Bontempelli, West, Freijah, Bramble
North Melbourne: Davies-Uniacke, Curtis, Sheezel, Parker, Daniel, Zurhaar, Wardlaw
 
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: English (knee)
North Melbourne: Corr (back)
 
Crowd: 25,052 at Marvel Stadium