Josh Bruce’s ‘absolute clinic’ in mammoth victory over North Melbourne

Western Bulldogs forward Josh Bruce put on an “absolute clinic” as North Melbourne suffered a humiliating 128-point loss at Marvel Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The Kangaroos were utterly outclassed in the round three contest, the Bulldogs at one stage kicking 12 unanswered goals.

The hapless North Melbourne side only managed three majors in the final three quarters, with Bruce single-handedly outscoring his entire opposition.

Watch the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Every match of every round Live on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Bruce kicked 10 majors in a career-best performance, also contributing 21 disposals and two behinds.

The 28-year-old seemingly loves facing North Melbourne, having managed 22 goals in his last three encounters against the Kangaroos.

He becomes the sixth active AFL player to have kicked 10 or more goals in a game, joining Josh Kennedy, Jack Riewoldt, Lance Franklin, Ben Brown and Tom Lynch.

“This is officially a day out,” AFL Nation commentator Andy Maher said as Bruce’s sixth major sailed between the sticks.

Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw said: “They are the real deal the Western Bulldogs — there’s no doubt about that.

“They are owning this game of football … it is one-way traffic.

“They have absolutely poleaxed the Kangaroos in the second half of this game.”

Bruce told Fox Footy after the win: “I definitely had my critics last year and it was probably warranted.

“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 Bulldogs ultimately secured a convincing 25.17 (167) to 5.9 (39) win, opening their season with three consecutive victories for the first time since 2009.

Friday’s win goes down as the club’s largest victory in AFL/VFL history, trumping their previous best of 120 points in 1985.

It was also North Melbourne’s biggest AFL/VFL defeat since 1984 — their average losing margin this season currently sits at 80 points.

ABC reporter Garrett Mundy tweeted: “The Roos have been crucified.”

Sports broadcaster Daniel Garb posted: “North would struggle to win the WAFL.”

Australian wheelchair tennis icon Dylan Alcott tweeted: “Legit reckon I could get a kick for North Melbourne at the minute.”

Kangaroos great David King offered a blunt assessment on Fox Footy: “Use whatever words you want, that was a disastrous performance, it’s unacceptable.

“It fell away big time in the second half, and they invite the pressure that comes now from external sources.”

READ MORE: AFL fan charges umpires in ‘scary’ scenes

Bulldogs recruit Adam Treloar flourished in the midfield, mustering 27 disposals and three goals.

Former Melbourne captain Garry Lyon told Fox Footy: “He’s getting more comfortable and better as the game wears on.”

The Kangaroos are still searching for their first win of the 2021 premiership, having narrowly avoided the wooden spoon last season.

The Bulldogs will next face the Brisbane Lions, while North Melbourne will take on the Adelaide Crows next weekend.