North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Thursday 3 July | 7:30pm AEST
Marvel Stadium • Wurundjeri
Broadcast: Channel 7, Kayo/Foxtel

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LAST MEETING

Round 1, 2025
Western Bulldogs 17.11 (113) def. North Melbourne 14.13 (97)  

The Western Bulldogs opened their 2025 campaign with a 16-point win over North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, showcasing plenty ofresilience. Stand-in captain Tom Liberatore led the way with 28 disposals and nine clearances, while Aaron Naughton kicked three goals to spearhead the forward line.  

Ed Richards (30 disposals) and Matt Kennedy (23) controlled the midfield, with Bailey Dale providing drive and impact off half-back, finishing with 29 touches and two goals. Rory Lobb stood tall defensively, limiting North’s key forwards, while Ryley Sanders contributed two goals from 15 disposals. After an impressive start where the Bulldogs took an early lead – kicking five of the first six goals – they held firm to secure the victory.

08:13

AFL R1 | Match Highlights

The Bulldogs and Kangaroos clash in round one of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

THE LINE-UP

WHO TO WATCH

One of the most respected Bulldogs both on and off the field, Tom Liberatore will bring up his 250-game milestone this Thursday night. A father-son selection, Liberatore has built a career defined by toughness, consistency and an unrelenting appetite for the contest. Since his debut in 2011, he’s been a key pillar in the Bulldogs’ midfield, claiming the Charles Sutton Medal in 2014 and earning recognition with the 2016 Scott West Most Courageous Player Award, two John van Groningen Domestique Awards and the Bruce Wilkinson Award, as voted by the Club’s trainers.

Averaging 27.5 disposals and 6.2 clearances this campaign, Liberatore has been a reliable presence at stoppage and a trusted contributor. A fan favourite and a central figure in the Club’s journey over the past decade, his 250th adds further meaning to Thursday night’s clash with North Melbourne. Expect the No.21 to add drive and flair once again at Marvel Stadium.

01:48

Bob and Libba discuss a lifetime as a Bulldog

Tom Liberatore reflects on what the club means to him ahead of game 250, thanks to Tahbilk.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

North Melbourne (4-1-10) came crashing back to earth after an impressive two-month stretch as it was dismantled by an electric Hawthorn outfit from the opening bounce last week. The Kangaroos must bounce back immediately to ensure they live up to the occasion as they celebrate their VFL/AFL centenary with a match against a side they have not beaten since 2019.

Western Bulldogs (9-6) took a huge step toward claiming a big scalp as it outlasted a resurgent Sydney and now faces another danger game against a highly-motivated North Melbourne. The Bulldogs have a tougher run from there with matches to come against top-four hopefuls Adelaide and Brisbane, while seeking to edge into the same race as they get more from their lesser lights.