The Bulldogs, young and inexperienced like their opponents had beaten the Kangaroos earlier in the year, and would have gone into the match confident despite six losses in a row.
Leigh Adams’ late withdrawal saw Aaron Mullett into the side for just his fifth career game, but he’d have to wait until later in the match for his turn as the substitute.
Tory Dickson booted the opening major for the Bulldogs, but it was goal for goal in the first term. Drew Petrie slotted two and looked as though he’d continue the form that had seen him boot 18 in the previous three weeks, as Ryan Bastinac and Brent Harvey racked up possessions at will.
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It wasn’t long until the Kangaroos’ quarter time margin was eroded, and the Bulldogs quickly skipped out to a 10-point lead. Petrie stepped up again though, before Sam Gibson had a moment to remember with his first career goal.
Bastinac went into the main break with 19 disposals, while the captain Andrew Swallow was leading the way for his team with 16.
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The Bulldogs’ capacity to run out games, an issue for Brendan McCartney’s side in 2012, would now be tested.
It was Cruize Garlett who got the scoring going in the premiership quarter for North, and when Brent Harvey banged through another the margin was out to 17.
Petrie found some space from Brian Lake to register his fourth and fifth goals, and with the latter took the lead in the Coleman Medal. All of a sudden the margin was 24 points, thanks mainly to the efforts of the vice-captain and Ben Cunnington who racked up 9 possessions for the term.
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With their finals aspirations on the line, there was no turning back for Brad Scott and his men.
Mullett made the most of his late opportunity with 8 disposals, while Robbie Tarrant got on the scoresheet with three goals late.
Brent Harvey finished the game in style, ending with 32 possessions, and North celebrated a 54-point win with a seven goal to one final quarter.
Young gun Bastinac was given the three votes for his outstanding performance, while Petrie was given the two in front of 21,599 people at Etihad Stadium.
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Western Bulldogs 3.1.19 6.5.41 7.7.49 8.13.61
North Melbourne 3.3.21 7.3.45 11.7.73 18.7.115
GOALS:
North Melbourne: Petrie 5, Tarrant 3, Anthony 2, Harper 2, Wells 2, Garlett 1, Gibson 1, Hansen 1, Harvey 1
Western Bulldogs: Addison 2, Dickson 2, Campbell 1, Giansiracusa 1, Grant 1, Talia 1
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