It was a tactical battle on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, with both North and the Western Bulldogs using setups to stop the other’s strengths.

For the Bulldogs, their focus was to shut out the marking power of Ben Brown, Drew Petrie and Majak Daw. They pushed numbers behind the ball with the intention of breaking at speed once they did gain possession.

Meanwhile North was focused on stopping that run, and set up to do so. It meant when the Roos had possession, they were conscious of not allowing the Bulldogs the chance to win the ball back in dangerous areas.

So the game evolved into a tense struggle, with attack seemingly a secondary option.

North dominating the uncontested possessions was the result of both teams’ game plans, ending +27 in the first quarter and +80 for the match.

While the match was even to start with, the key turning point was Brown’s knee injury early in the second quarter.

As the 23-year-old hobbled off, to take no further part in the contest, the tone of the match changed.

With only two tall marking targets to consider instead of three, the Bulldogs were able to focus their defensive efforts into fewer opponents.

It was in that second quarter where what would turn out to be the decisive break was made. Three unanswered Bulldogs goals gave them a 17-point half time lead.

North’s defence continued to hold up well all evening under the weight of numbers; its structure by and large was able to repel the Bulldogs.

Although the Bulldogs had 60 inside 50’s for the night, North only conceded two scoring shots from within 30 metres out – and none of those were from the corridor.

Scott Thompson was impressive in his job on Jake Stringer. The Bulldog was only able to hit the scoreboard with a major after the North defender limped from the ground with a groin injury. Unfortunately for the Kangaroos it was a crucial goal in the final quarter.

Stats leaders

Disposals: 30 – Jamie Macmillan
Marks: 8 – Jamie Macmillan
Clearances: 6 – Daniel Wells, Nick Dal Santo
Rebound 50’s: 6 – Jamie Macmillan
Tackles: 8 – Trent Dumont
Inside 50’s: 6 – Brent Harvey