North Melbourne kept their slim AFL wildcard hopes alive with a hard-fought 15.10 (100) to 11.11 (77) victory over the Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, snapping a five-game losing streak.
The Kangaroos led at every change, but the Bulldogs fought back in the third quarter before Luke Davies-Uniacke's crucial goal midway through the final term helped seal the win.
Star Performers
Davies-Uniacke was outstanding with 27 disposals, nine clearances, eight tackles and two goals. George Wardlaw, playing his first game in a month, contributed 18 disposals, six clearances and a goal, while Paul Curtis kicked four majors.
Wardlaw's efforts drew praise from Kane Cornes on Channel 7, who said: "We are seeing something special from George Wardlaw tonight. He's mini (Patrick) Dangerfield. He's almost prime Dangerfield, that's what he's reminded me of tonight. His contest work, his intensity, as good as you will see."
Match Summary
North burst out of the blocks with a 6.0 opening term and maintained their advantage until a third-quarter surge from the Bulldogs piled on pressure. But a tense start to the final quarter was eased when Davies-Uniacke goaled and Wardlaw stood tall, with Zac Banch sealing the win with his second goal.
"What a night for them. Hadn't beaten a top-eight side, that was all the talk," Cornes said. "Challenged just before three-quarter time and just some amazing individual efforts, just a refusal to be beaten tonight. Maybe a turning of the guard for this footy club."
