North Melbourne has gone down to Footscray in its penultimate match of the 2026 VFL season, losing 7.9 (51) to 12.25 (97) on Friday afternoon.

The Roos kicked two of the game's first three goals with forwards James Tarrant and Matt Whitlock hitting the scoreboard early, but scoring dried up after quarter-time and the Dogs gradually stretched away.

KANGAROOS v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

The visitors were unrelenting at Arden Street Oval and could've done more damage off the back of their dominant possession and inside 50 numbers, registering 25 behinds from 37 scoring shots.

As for the Roos, despite being right in the thick of things at half-time, they struggled to get their offence game clicking and were held to just two points in the third term as the Bulldogs gained the ascendancy.

Player watch

Matt Whitlock was the go-to man inside forward 50 on Friday, finishing the clash with a team-high three goals.

He took a strong grab and put one through from long-distance for his first and he had a second when Brayden George (11 disposals, three marks) perfectly shaped a ball Whitlock's way while streaming into attack. The No.35's third came from a blocking free kick close to the big sticks midway through the fourth term.

Robert Hansen jnr continued his prolific run of form, finishing as North Melbourne's leading ball-winner having collected 27 touches. He also contributed 10 rebound 50s playing in an under-siege defence.

Also busy was Zac Fisher who racked up 24 disposals and five clearances playing in his wing role. Onballer Bailey Scott responded to his AFL omission with 23 possessions (eight contested).

Lachy Dovaston (12 disposals) was often seen pushing higher up the ground and was found plenty of it in the first half as a connector at half-forward. He was thrown on the ball late in the game and won the centre clearance which led to Taylor Goad's checkside major.

Luke Urquhart was lively, collecting 18 possessions and six intercepts. The young midfielder started hot and showed great polish when he slotted a long-range effort in the first quarter.

Darcy Macpherson (22 disposals, four clearances) was strong early, using his cleanliness and evasion skills to help the Roos in the contest, while James Tarrant presented well all day and finished with two goals including the opener. Kieren Rice was also solid, finishing with 17 disposals and nine marks.

Next up

North Melbourne will be back at Arden Street Oval to round out its 2026 VFL campaign. The Roos will face premiership contenders Geelong at 2.05pm AEST on Sunday, August 16.

NORTH MELBOURNE           3.2      5.5        5.7       7.9     (51)
FOOTSCRAY BULLDOGS      4.4      4.12      7.15      12.25     (97)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Whitlock 3, Tarrant 2, Goad, Urquhart
Footscray: El Souki 3, Sexton 2, Billings 2, Ramshaw, Vandermeer, Orgill, Muratore, L Kennedy,