Arabic version: الكنغارو يضرّ بآمال بولدوغز في البطاقة البرية

According to ABC News, North Melbourne dealt the Western Bulldogs a 23-point loss at Docklands Stadium, winning 15.10 (100) to 11.11 (77) and damaging the Bulldogs’ bid for a wildcard spot.

Paul Curtis led the Kangaroos with four goals and 19 possessions, after kicking the opening two goals in an energetic first quarter. Luke Davies-Uniacke produced two crucial goals and 10 clearances, while North held off several Bulldogs challenges after establishing a lead of as much as 28 points.

The result ended North Melbourne’s five-game losing streak and marked its first win over the Bulldogs since 2019. It was also the Kangaroos’ first victory over a top-eight opponent during Alastair Clarkson’s tenure, after the club had lost 37 of 38 matches against such teams in that period.

The Bulldogs entered the match eighth and could have guaranteed at least a wildcard position with a win. Instead, they face matches against in-form Carlton and Melbourne in the final fortnight of the home-and-away season. Ruckman Tim English was assessed in the rooms after experiencing knee discomfort late in the final quarter.

Thursday night also brought league reaction to the AFL’s decision not to sanction Geelong over a concussion waiver. Former Collingwood captain Tony Shaw described the decision as “mind-boggling” and called the club’s decision to make a player sign a concussion waiver “morally deplorable”. Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said he did not have enough information to comment specifically on Geelong, but said he would have signed a waiver as a player if it meant he could continue playing.