A career-best four-goal haul from emerging forward Cody Weightman has helped propel the Western Bulldogs back into pole position on the AFL ladder, with a 16.12 (108) to 11.13 (79) win against North Melbourne.

In a scrappy contest at Marvel Stadium, the Bulldogs opened up a five-goal lead at the major break and weathered a late storm from the Kangaroos to run out 29-point victors.

Star midfielders Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore again led the way.

01:14

Weightman works his magic with three already

Cody Weightman makes his mark in the first-quarter with three goals in little time

Liberatore (25 disposals, two goals, eight clearances), Bontempelli (27 disposals) and Macrae (31 dispoals, seven clearances) all found plenty of the ball.

However, it was the Kangaroos who led a number of key statistical categories.

They finished with more disposals (367-341), clearances (36-29), inside-50s (52-50) and marks (138-99).

08:06

Match Highlights | Bulldogs v Roos

The Bulldogs and Kangaroos clash in round 16

But it didn’t matter on the scoreboard, as the Bulldogs found regular avenues to goal.

Weightman’s form in front of goal was complemented by three goals for Mitch Wallis – who was a late inclusion for Ed Richards (illness) – and two majors apiece to key forward Josh Bruce and rebounding defender Bailey Dale.

Dale continued his outstanding season, finishing with 23 disposals and 602 metres gained, while Bailey Williams and Alex Keath also impressed down back.

The Bulldogs had a two-goal advantage by quarter time, extended that to 27 points at the half and then 39-points at the final change.

11:03

Luke Beveridge | 'Ultimately, it's a terrific result'

Hear from Luke Beveridge after the round 16 win against North Melbourne.

A late charge from the Kangaroos – they kicked 4.8 in the final term – forced a response from the Bulldogs, with Wallis kicking all three of his majors in the last period, including a long bomb from outside 50.

However, the Bulldogs will be without key forward Aaron Naughton next week, after he was substituted out at half time due to concussion.

Details for the Bulldogs’ clash with the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium remain TBC.

WESTERN BULLDOGS    5.1    9.6    13.8    16.12 (108)
NORTH MELBOURNE     3.1    5.3     7.5     11.13 (79)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 4, Wallis 3, Bruce 2, Liberatore 2, Dale 2, Garcia, Hannan, Williams
North Melbourne: Zurhaar 4, Cunnington 2, Goldstein 2, Davies-Uniacke, Scott, Thomas

BEST  
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Weightman, Dale, Liberatore, Macrae, Williams
North Melbourne: Zurhaar, Tarrant, Cunnington, McDonald, Hall, Thomas

INJURIES  
Western Bulldogs: Naughton (concussion)
North Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES  
Western Bulldogs: Lipinski (replaced Naughton)
North Melbourne: Ford (unused)