Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has brushed off concerns over a back injury to play a key role in his side's comfortable 17-point victory over North Melbourne.
Struck down by back spasms at training mid-week, Bontempelli passed a late fitness test and was outstanding in the Bulldogs' 11.11 (77) to 9.6 (60) victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
The inspirational skipper had 35 disposals and 11 clearances as the Dogs moved back to a positive ledger (8-7) in pursuit of a finals berth.
Cody Weightman kicked a game-high three goals, taking his tally to six in two games on return from an elbow injury, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Adam Treloar kicked two each.
Tom Liberatore (25 disposals), Ed Richards (21) and Ryley Sanders (21) were also influential for the Bulldogs.
Rory Lobb was another impressive performer, moved to defence to accommodate returning key forwards Naughton and Sam Darcy.
A ruck-forward throughout his 11 seasons, Lobb snared 12 intercept possessions and worked well alongside regular full-back Liam Jones in the absence of injured pair Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner.
Jones was a brick wall, holding Kangaroos spearhead Nick Larkey scoreless from just five disposals.
Naughton marked his return from a knee injury with the opening goal before Ugle-Hagan and Roo Paul Curtis traded brilliant snaps from opposite pockets.
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10:08
Luke Beveridge | Post Match (RD16)
Bevo speaks to the media following the victory over North Melbourne.
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00:19
Team Song: Western Bulldogs | Round 16
Watch the Bulldogs celebrate their round 16 win over North Melbourne.
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00:39
Weightman bends a beauty as dominant Dogs surge
Cody Weightman nails an excellent running banana after his teammates swarm from stoppage.
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00:38
Jamarra has his say after bullocking Richards play
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan nails his second major after Ed Richards' brilliant contested assist.
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00:43
Big Dogs dazzle early with curling crackers
Aaron Naughton snaps the opener before Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's exceptional fend and finish.
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12:21
Luke Beveridge | 'We're expecting a fierce contest'
Bevo speaks to the media ahead of the round sixteen clash with North Melbourne.
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The Bulldogs led by nine points at the first break - 4.4 to 3.1 - before kicking the only goal of the second quarter through Darcy, keeping their opponents scoreless in the process.
The lead grew to 38 points as the Dogs kicked four of the first five goals after half-time, and they held on despite the Kangaroos' late burst of three consecutive goals during the final term.
The Bulldogs face a big test away to Port Adelaide in round 17, while North Melbourne hosts Gold Coast.
Match Details
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.1 3.1 6.3 9.6 (60)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.4 5.8 10.10 11.11 (77)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Curtis 2, Zurhaar 2, Ford, Sheezel, Taylor, Teakle, Xerri
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 3, Naughton 2, Treloar 2, Ugle-Hagan 2, Darcy, Liberatore
BEST
North Melbourne: Xerri, Sheezel, Tucker, Ford, Curtis, Zurhaar
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Liberatore, Willams, Lobb, Jones, Weightman
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Duryea (foot), Vandermeer (ankle)
SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Dylan Stephens (replaced Zac Fisher in the third quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Oskar Baker (replaced Taylor Duryea in the third quarter)
Crowd: 27,005 at Marvel Stadium
