Bulldogs crash Kangaroos' party as Liberatore stars
Liberatore was best afield as the Bulldogs withstood an early challenge from the Kangaroos and then broke clear in the second half on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium, winning 20.14 (134) to 13.7 (85).
North looked inspired by an old-fashioned rev-up on the ground from coaching great Denis Pagan, but ultimately the Bulldogs had too much class.
All ears to Denis 🗣️#AFLNorthDogs pic.twitter.com/bmxRcXZmkD
— AFL (@AFL) July 3, 2025
Aaron Naughton helped spark the Bulldogs in the second term and finished with five goals while fellow key forward Sam Darcy, goalless in the first half, kicked four.
Liberatore had 27 possessions, 10 tackles and kicked two goals.
The Bulldogs improved to fourth place and continued their perfect record against bottom-nine teams, but they face two massive tests against Adelaide and Brisbane.
They only have one game so far this season against teams currently in the top eight.
As part of their pre-game ceremony to mark the club's AFL centenary year, Pagan addressed the team on the field minutes before the first bounce.
He did not disappoint with his vintage speech, saying several players had something to answer for after last week's 85-point belting from Hawthorn.
North had made five changes for this match, losing several experienced players to injury, and suffered another blow in the first quarter when star Luke Davies-Uniacke was subbed out because of concussion.
Davies-Uniacke went to tackle Ed Richards, but was caught high with the fend off. The incident is likely to come under match review, but the contact looked accidental.
Luke Davies-Uniacke has been subbed out of the game following this incident.#AFLNorthDogs pic.twitter.com/hXVozCc1vW
— AFL (@AFL) July 3, 2025
Despite losing Davies-Uniacke, North were impressive early and key forward Nick Larkey kicked four goals in the opening quarter.
Larkey also had to leave the ground in the first term, but returned to kick his fifth before halftime.
After trailling by a goal at quarter time, the Bulldogs steadied in the second and it was Naughton's turn to go on a goalkicking spree.
The Bulldogs key forward kicked four in the second term as they took a 13-point lead into the main break.
Richards had to come off with a shoulder injury at the start of the third term, but was able to return.
The Bulldogs went on a four-goal tear late in the third and broke the game out to a game-high 29 points, before North rallied to keep the margin a gettable 22 points at the last change.
In-form North ruckman Tristan Xerri was forced off in the last quarter with a head knock.
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