The Western Bulldogs are embracing their clash with North Melbourne like a final, knowing a win will lock in their top-10 spot.

After a gritty 37-point defeat to ladder-leaders Fremantle in Perth, the Bulldogs are preparing to back up for Thursday night football at Marvel Stadium.

If they can beat North for a 10th-straight time, the Bulldogs’ position in at least the wildcard round will be secure.

It would be sweet relief for the Bulldogs, who finished ninth in 2023 and 2025 to miss the finals under the previous system.