The Western Bulldogs have recorded their biggest-ever win in a 128-point demolition of North Melbourne on Friday at Marvel Stadium.
The final scores read Western Bulldogs (25.17 – 167) def North Melbourne (5.9 – 39).
Luke Beveridge’s side beat a 36-year record of the club’s largest victory, which has stood since Footscray defeated Melbourne by 120 in Round 15 some three decades ago.
Key forward Josh Bruce had a day to remember, slotting 10 goals and 2 behinds in a career day, while new Dog Adam Treloar was among the best with 3 goals and 27 disposals.
The Kangaroos were competitive early, trailing by just two goals at quarter time before the Bulldogs pulled away.
North Melbourne great Wayne Carey described the game as a “training drill for the whole second half” on Channel Seven’s broadcast as the Bulldogs did as they pleased for the last two terms.
Bruce’s day out was made even more special as it was the first time a Bulldogs player has booted 10 goals in a game since Simon Beasley achieved the feat in 1987.
The 28-year-old has now matched his 2020 tally of 14 goals in just three games this season, and he told Fox Footy post-match that he felt the haul was a reward for hard work.
“I definitely had my critics last year and it was probably warranted,” Bruce said.
"I was a little bit out of shape and a little bit out of form.
"So, it’s really pleasing to get a reward for the hard work that I’ve put in over the past five to six months.
“Obviously as all key forwards say you’re a product of what happens up the field and our midfielders were amazing today.”
The only sour note of the Dogs’ day was an injury to Ryan Gardner, who was subbed out of the game in the opening minutes of the clash.
The unbeaten Bulldogs now turn their focus to Brisbane who they play at Mars Stadium in Ballarat next Saturday.