If you felt a sense of déjà vu as North Melbourne crept closer and closer in the latter stages of Saturday night’s one point win, you probably weren’t alone.
Equally, if you had a sneaky feeling that the Dogs would hold on a long enough, there is a reason for that too.
Since Luke Beveridge took over as coach the Bulldogs are 9-2 in games decided by 1-6 points, for a 82% strike rate.
On that note, here’s the Bulldogs’ top-5 nail-biters of the past five years according to AFL Media:
North Melbourne, round 14, 2017, Etihad Stadium 15. 17. (107) v 16. 10 (106)
The Dogs went into last week’s clash with the Kangaroos at 6-6, a last-gasp point from Jake Stringer secured them a much-needed win.
Greater Western Sydney, preliminary final, 2016, Spotless Stadium 9. 19 (79) v 11. 9 (75)
In one of the clashes of 2016, the Dogs fought back from 14 points down in the last quarter to make their first grand final since 1961.
Sydney Swans, round 15, 2016, SCG, 13.5 (83) v 11.13 (79)
Jason Johannisen’s set-shot goal from outside 50 gave the Dogs a memorable win that Luke Beveridge declared was “worth about 10.”
Adelaide, elimination final, 2015, MCG 14.18 (104) v 19.13 (109)
The Dogs had more of the ball, more of the play and more scoring shots, but couldn’t make the most of their opportunities.
Sydney Swans, round four, 2015, SCG 11.11 (77) v 10.13 (73)
Against a hardened Sydney outfit on a soggy SCG, the young Bulldogs announced themselves as a team rapidly on the rise.
Breathe in. Breathe out.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) June 24, 2017
Repeat. #AFLDogsNorth pic.twitter.com/BgBhlYX5Md