Western Bulldogs vs North Melbourne Kangaroos: AFL live scores, blog, highlights

The North Melbourne Kangaroos have defeated the Western Bulldogs by 2 points in a thriller at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. After the Bulldogs led for most of the night, a last minute goal by Jack Ziebell stole the four points for North Melbourne Jack Ziebell opened the scoring in the fourth term to put the Kangaroos in front, before Ben Brown extended that lead with his fifth goal. Bailey Williams got one back for Dogs, but Shaun Atley responded immediately with a dribble goal. The Bulldogs kicked two in a row through Ed Richards playing on from a free kick, and then Billy Gowers in the goal square. In the final minute, a forward kick out of bounds by Mitch Wallis ultimately cost the Bulldogs the game, as North transitioned quickly, opening up the forward line and scored through Jack Ziebell. The Kangaroos will be thrilled, while the improved Bulldogs are left gutted, throwing away their lead in the second half. Ben Brown added to his Coleman Medal tally with five goals, while Jack Ziebell contributed three goals to the final score. Shaun Higgins (32 disposals, 2 goals) and Ben Cunnington (30 disposals, 22 contested) opened the game up for North Melbourne in the second half. Todd Goldstein (20 disposals, 42 hit outs) dominated in the ruck, showing his class with some beautiful taps to Cunnington and Higgins in the last quarter. Bulldog Billy Gowers showed impressive signs booting three goals from his 22 disposals, while Hayden Crozier and Lachie Hunter picked up 30 disposals each. The Bulldogs much improved performance was highlighted by the efforts of young forwards’ Aaron Naughton and Bailey Williams, who both kicked two goals. The Kangaroos lost Ben Jacobs to delayed onset concussion symptoms before the match, and Billy Hartung, Jacobs’ replacement, limped off the ground in the second quarter. Hartung spent the second half on the bench with ice on his left hamstring. Next up, the Western Bulldogs host Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, while North Melbourne take on Essendon at Etihad on Sunday.

Thanks for tuning in tonight. I'll post a match report shortly. Collingwood vs Carlton still to come in round 14 - Sunday 3:20pm AEST.

Goals Western Bulldogs Gowers 3, Naughton 2, B Williams 2, Cordy, Richards, Boyd, Wallis North Melbourne Brown 5, Ziebell 3, Higgins 2, Anderson, Atley Disposals Western Bulldogs Crozier 30, Hunter 30, McLean 26 North Melbourne Higgins 32, Cunnington 30, Dumont 24 Final Score Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75) North Melbourne 12.5 (77)

Q4 0' - FULL TIME North Melbourne defeat the Western Bulldogs by 2 points in another thriller at Etihad Stadium. Final Score Western Bulldogs 11.9 (75) North Melbourne 12.5 (77)

Q4 1' - GOAL KANGAROOS North on transition, Trengove goes at the ball, leaving Brown alone, goes to Ziebell who goals. 20 seconds left. Western Bulldogs 75 North Melbourne 77

Q4 1' Great contest Daw and Gowers... Johannisen picks it up on the wing from the kick... they go forward again. Western Bulldogs 75 North Melbourne 71

Q4 1' Higgins gets the clearance, but his kick inside 50 is intercepted by Crozier. Head forward on the wing. Western Bulldogs 75 North Melbourne 71

Q4 2' - GOAL BULLDOGS Bulldogs streaming forward, Gowers gets the ball over the top, runs on and kicks from the goal square. Great effort from the forward. Bulldogs in front by 4. Western Bulldogs 75 North Melbourne 71

Q4 4' Johannisen across half-back switches it for the Dogs, they go down the line. Mark taken, gutsy kick inside, mark also taken... they head can't make the entry count. North clear and take the game on. Western Bulldogs 69 North Melbourne 71

Q4 5' - GOAL BULLDOGS Free kick paid for holding, but Richards collects and plays on to advantage. He nails the goal and this game is on! Western Bulldogs 69 North Melbourne 71

Q4 7' - BEHIND BULLDOGS Johannisen on the wing, takes off, great speed, takes a bounce. Lovely kick to Williams, juggles the mark, is taken out by Daw and given a free kick. His kick is short and Goldstein sees it across the line. Western Bulldogs 63 North Melbourne 71

Q4 8' - BEHIND BULLDOGS Gowers makes a poor decision to play on from his mark, goes long, not to the advantage of any of his teammates. It rolls through for a behind. Western Bulldogs 62 North Melbourne 71

Q4 9' Two on one, Higgins out numbered and can't take the mark inside 50. Western Bulldogs 61 North Melbourne 71

Q4 11' - GOAL KANGAROOS Immediate answer from the Roos - ball spills through the contest, Atley making the most of it with a dribble goal. Western Bulldogs 61 North Melbourne 71

Q4 11' - GOAL BULLDOGS Mix up in defence, spilled to Bulldogs' advantage, Bailey Williams picks it up, throws it on the boot and goals. Lucky bounce, but important goal for the Dogs. Western Bulldogs 61 North Melbourne 65