Bulldogs blitz Kangaroos by 71 points

The Western Bulldogs have belted North Melbourne in the final term for a 71-point
AFL win.
Prime Minister and Bulldogs No.1 ticker holder Julia Gillard looked on as her team
kicked nine goals to two in the last quarter to win 22.11 (143) to 10.12 (72) at
Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Losses by Carlton and Sydney this weekend means North remains only one game outside
the top eight, but the margin will do more damage to their already-low percentage.
For the Bulldogs, Barry Hall kicked seven goals and Daniel Giansiracusa put through
five, while midfielder Matthew Boyd amassed 40 possessions.
Leigh Adams impressed for the 'Roos with 24 disposals and two goals.
The Bulldogs made their 157th interchange just before the final siren, beating
Hawthorn's AFL record as debate rages about whether rotations should be capped.
Hall again lined up on Scott Thompson after their fiery clash in round nine, when
the Bulldogs key forward put Thompson in a headlock.
There was plenty of niggle involving Hall, Thompson and fellow Kangaroos defender
Michael Firrito, but nothing as dramatic as the fireworks earlier in the season.
The Bulldogs kicked three of the first four goals in the opening 11 minutes of the
game to take control and they led by 17 points at quarter-time.
Bulldogs midfielder Brodie Moles will come under video scrutiny for his front-on
contact with Thompson late in the first term, a blow that left the 'Roos defender
stunned for a few moments.
North midfielder Ed Lower hurt his shoulder after a heavy clash, but was able to
return to the field.
Hall conceded a soft free at the start of the second quarter for an incident
involving Thompson and the Kangaroos pounced.
Brent Harvey goaled in the opening minute and kicked another two minutes later to
reduce the margin to four points.
But Hall kicked his third and the Bulldogs kicked another two to ensure they went
into halftime with the lead.
Adams goaled just before halftime to reduce the margin to 15 points at the main break.
North challenged again in the third term, but the Bulldogs always had their measure.
A heavy clash with team-mate Daniel Cross left Ryan Griffen dazed and he needed help
from two trainers as he left the field.
But Griffen was back on the ground before the end of the third term.
Adams' second goal brought the Kangaroos to within 13 points midway through the
third term, but that proved their last challenge.
The Bulldogs kicked the last two goals of the quarter for a 27-point lead at the
last break and they swamped the Kangaroos in the final term.