Injury-hit Western Bulldogs overcome spirited North Melbourne

The Western Bulldogs have kicked off their 2025 campaign with a gritty 16-point victory over North Melbourne, overcoming a mounting injury toll and a spirited Kangaroos outfit to claim a 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97) win at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

The Dogs were forced to enter their opening AFL clash without several of their biggest stars, including captain Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Cody Weightman, Liam Jones, and Jason Johannisen.

Their injury woes deepened late in the contest when Luke Cleary was stretchered off after a brutal collision with North defender Jackson Archer.

The game was delayed as medics assisted the young Bulldog, with his teammates rallying around him before he was taken from the field to warm applause.

Despite being undermanned, the Bulldogs’ midfield stood tall, led by Ed Richards (30 disposals, one goal), Tom Liberatore (28 touches), and new recruit Matthew Kennedy (23), who filled the void left by their absent stars.

Bailey Dale was also superb, collecting 29 disposals and kicking two goals from half-back, while Aaron Naughton, Laitham Vandermeer, and Sam Darcy each booted three majors.

North Melbourne, searching for an early-season statement, dominated at the contest, winning clearances (27-14), centre clearances (9-3), and contested possessions (74-58) in the first half.

But despite their physical dominance, their inefficiency going forward proved costly, as the Bulldogs took advantage of their turnovers to hurt them on the counterattack.

The Kangaroos fought back bravely, reducing a 28-point deficit early in the second quarter to just seven points at the final change. But when the game was there to be won, the Bulldogs responded, slamming home three quick goals to re-establish a four-goal lead.

North refused to lie down, with Paul Curtis kicking three final-term goals, but the Dogs held firm to extend their winning streak against the Roos to eight games.

Nick Larkey was a standout for North with five goals, while highly-rated draftee Finn O’Sullivan impressed in his debut with 16 disposals at 81% efficiency off half-back.

Meanwhile, Bulldogs first-gamer Sam Davidson made an immediate impact, kicking a debut goal after putting his medical studies on hold to chase his AFL dream.

While North Melbourne showed promising signs, their inability to capitalise on their midfield dominance left them with yet another frustrating defeat. North Melbourne are $3.15 outsiders with top sports bookmakers for their Round 2 clash with Melbourne.

The Western Bulldogs, despite their injuries, proved their depth and resilience, securing a crucial first-up win as they await the return of their key players in the coming weeks.

The Dogs will next face Collingwood at Friday night, where they are $2.08 outsiders with Dabble.

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