The Western Bulldogs are back in the AFL top eight after a controversial one-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
The Kangaroos were denied a goal late in the match and also potentially at three-quarter time on Saturday night as the Bulldogs won 15.17 (107) to 16.10 (106).
It was the Bulldogs’ first win in three matches, while this is North’s fourth loss this season by a goal or less.
The Bulldogs led by 26 points 11 minutes into the last quarter, but North roared back with the last four goals of the match.
Ben Brown marked and scored to put them ahead, but it was disallowed because a free kick was paid against the Kangaroos for a shepherd in the goalsquare.
North’s Shaun Higgins then levelled the scores with a behind.
The Bulldogs moved the ball down the other end of the ground and Jake Stringer marked.
He kicked a behind with about a minute left and the Bulldogs hung on grimly for the win, putting them back in the top eight.
Higgins also could have reduced the margin to only seven points at three-quarter time when he had a set shot at goal.
But play-on was called because Higgins took too long to take his kick and Stringer mowed him down with a tackle.
It was that sort of night for North with the umpires – the free kick count was 16-4 in favour of the Bulldogs at halftime and 26-13 for the match.
While the ‘Dogs had the rub of the green in the first half, North also paid for being second to the ball too often.
After an even start featuring three lead changes, the Bulldogs took control with three goals and led by 18 points at the first change.
That went out to 27 in the second term and the Bulldogs looked set to take control.
But the last goal of the first half and five goals to three in the third term kept North in the game, with the margin back to 13 at the last change.
Marcus Bontempelli starred for the Bulldogs and Liam Picken kicked three goals, while North’s Ben Cunnington led their comeback with a massive last quarter that featured 12 disposals and two goals.
Mike
Guest
You are kidding right? I am actually surprised he was not more vocal about the blatant biased umpiring for the Dogs. I have no issue with the majority of frees the Dogs received but when the situation was reversed and it was a player wearing a blue and white jumper the free was not forth coming. In a game which was very tight in the first half questions need to be asked when at half time the count is 15:2. As for the Higgins incident - it is appalling that an umpire 40-50m away calls play on and over the roar of the crowd the player is expected to hear whilst the officiating umpire 5m away remains silent. I think Brad Scott in this instance has every right to have a whinge. And by the way, he never raised it, the media prompted the question
I ate pies
Guest
Brad Scott has now surpassed Sydney supporters as the biggest whinger in the game.
Ken
Guest
16-4 free kicks is pretty common in games iunvolving the Bulldogs.
Thomas Porro
Roar Rookie
First get rid of Brad Scott and bring back one central umpire to stop confusing both players and spectaters.
Swanny
Guest
I think the north rebuild is looking good. I half expect tho if they could offload Brad Scott they will be a top 4 team sooner . Just my thoughts . I think a certain former north champion coaching the swans needs to be enticed to come home to coach his beloved kangas .
Swanny
Guest
Swannies U r correct that The Bulldogs won the close games including last year grand final .OUCH
Pumping Dougie
Guest
Love the positive outlook Andrew. North have been a lot better this year that their ladder position suggests.
Swannies
Guest
You forgot to add finding a decent coach!
andrew
Guest
all panning out perfectly for north. finishing nice and low to get a goo draft pick but still prove we are competitive side given relatively good %. gws firming to win the flag. = josh kelly leaves. north in prime position to swoop (he wont go to brisbane) as can make kelly an offer he wants financially, and GWS a trade deal better than any other club. we keep playing goldstien, even though preuss is clearly better. but can get a trade from goldy too. josh kelly def worth a goal or two, which in norths case equals 4 more wins. easy draw in 2018 from low finish this year. a quick rebound very likely, all hinges on getting kelly and inserting preuss ahead of goldstien.
Swannies
Guest
Bulldogs are the masters of winning close games...maybe Scott needs to have a word with Beveridge. Bulldogs let their guard down in the last 10 minutes and almost allowed North to steal the game. However, good sides hold their nerve at the death. These Dogs won't go away!