North Melbourne has claimed a big scalp with a 23-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Challenged several times, after leading by as much as 28 points, the plucky Kangaroos held their nerve in a Thursday night thriller to beat the Bulldogs for the first time since 2019.

For the Dogs, Ed Richards gathered 28 touches and kicked a goal with Marcus Bontempelli managing 25 and a major.

Key forward Aaron Naughton kicked two goals on return after being managed last week; midfielder Matt Kennedy was the Dogs only other multiple goalkicker with a pair of his own. 

Defender James O'Donnell continued his impressive form, keeping North Melbourne captain Nick Larkey goalless while registering seven intercept possessions.

The Dogs will return to Marvel Stadium next Sunday for a crucial round 23 clash with Carlton.

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