North Melbourne has produced a gutsy performance to defeat the Western Bulldogs by 25 points at Marvel Stadium.

The Roos were in control for much of the game, looking comfortable through the first three terms.

A stunning fightback from the Dogs, though, saw them hit the front for the first time since the opening minutes, but the Roos composed and emerged 25-point victors in an open, if at times error-riddled game under the roof at Marvel Stadium, winning their third match of the season, 18.7 (115) to 13.12 (90).

 

Tarryn Thomas showed off his exceptional talent, whether it was by smothering and faking out Dogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli before snapping a goal or plucking a couple of nice marks in the second quarter.

Then there's Cameron Zurhaar, who had booted at least one goal in every game this year and continued that streak by putting through a tough one from long range while near the boundary, and clunked a pack grab too. Also in attack, Nick Larkey nailed a couple of final-quarter goals, including one on the run to all but settle the result.

Bontempelli came to the fore early in the fourth quarter through the middle while Tim English flourished up forward with a couple of quick goals after having been dismissed from ruck duties, having been destroyed by Todd Goldstein.

The Dogs briefly hit the lead after Sam Lloyd slotted his third goal and North was seemingly powerless to stop the Dogs wave.

However, a magnificent display of skill from Shaun Higgins, who pinpointed spearhead Ben Brown, set up the goal that gave the Kangaroos an advantage they wouldn't relinquish.

MEDICAL ROOM

Western Bulldogs: Key defender Jackson Trengove was in discomfort when his captain Easton Wood crashed into him in a marking contest during the second term, but he appeared to pull up fine. North Melbourne: Young midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke sported a sore right shoulder in the final term, which was already strapped up, but he came back on soon enough.

NEXT UP

North Melbourne will be under the spotlight, and likely with a caretaker coach in charge, when it meets powerhouse Richmond next Friday night at Marvel Stadium. Then to close out the round, the Western Bulldogs make the trek out to Optus Stadium to face reigning premier West Coast on Sunday afternoon.