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 BULLDOGSÂ Â Â Â 2.3 Â Â 5.6 Â Â 10.9 Â Â 11.11 (77)
NORTH MELBOURNEÂ Â Â 6.0 Â Â 10.2 Â Â 12.7 Â Â 15.10 (100)
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GOALS
Western Bulldogs:Â Naughton 2, Kennedy 2, Hynes, Bontempelli, Freijah, Khamis, Richards, Liberatore, Davidson
North Melbourne:Â Curtis 4, Darling 2, Davies-Uniacke 2, Banch 2, Simpkin, Wardlaw, Spargo, Xerri, Parker
BEST
Western Bulldogs:Â Richards, Bontempelli, West, Freijah, Bramble
North Melbourne:Â Davies-Uniacke, Curtis, Sheezel, Parker, Daniel, Zurhaar, Wardlaw
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INJURIES
Western Bulldogs:Â English (knee)
North Melbourne:Â Corr (back)
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Crowd:Â 25,052 at Marvel Stadium
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