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Johnson miss hands points to North

Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson had the opportunity to secure victory for his side after the siren but missed, giving North Melbourne a thrilling three-point win at Telstra Dome this evening.

Johnson claimed a mark with two seconds left on the clock but missed the crucial shot from 35m out on a slight angle.

The Kangaroos found themselves facing a 24-point deficit at half time, before clicking into gear in the third term and trimming the margin to just 11 points at the final break.

Both teams had their noses in front during the final quarter but it was North Melbourne in front when the siren sounded, and more importantly, after Johnson’s miss.

Adam Simpson and Brady Rawlings worked hard in the middle for the Roos, while Nathan Thompson (four goals) and Drew Petrie (three) provided strong targets in the forward line.

For the Bulldogs, Adam Cooney continued his great form, collecting 33 possessions, and Jason Akermanis showed his class once again, kicking four goals and creating a number of opportunities for his side.

In bad news for the victors, Daniel Wells was forced to leave the field after receiving a knock to his knee in the third quarter.

It is feared that he has damaged a medial ligament and may miss a number of games.

NORTH MELBOURNE 16.17 (113) def WESTERN BULLDOGS 16.14 (110)

GOALS:
North Melbourne: Thompson 4, Petrie 3, Harvey 2, Rawlings, McIntosh, Harding, Harris, Campbell, Jones, Lower.
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Johnson 3, Murphy 3, Minson 2, Cooney, Gilbee, Hahn, Welsh.

BEST:
North Melbourne: Simpson, Rawlings, McIntosh, Petrie, Harris, Wells.
Western Bulldogs: Cooney, Boyd, Lake, Akermanis, Griffen, Johnson.

Brent Harvey, who was celebrating his 250th game, was concussed in the first term but returned to the field and was chaired off by his team mates after the game.