NORTH Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has expressed his relief and pride in his players after the Roos claimed their first big scalp of the season, downing the Western Bulldogs by 23 points at Marvel Stadium.

The Kangaroos have now won nine games for their best return since 2019, when they won 10 games. Coincidentally, that was the last year they defeated the Bulldogs.

BULLDOGS V KANGAROOS Full match details and stats

"I'm so proud of the group that we're able to respond when the pressure was at its most fierce," Clarkson said. 

"A big stage and we were finally able to win one of these games.

"Just really proud because our players and our coaching staff and club have been doing a lot of heavy lifting, and to finally get some reward, it was a pretty special feeling in the rooms after the game."

The Bulldogs, who missed the finals when they finished ninth under the previous system last year, face a precarious final fortnight of the home-and-away season.

A win against North would have guaranteed them a wildcard spot, at the very least, but they will need to beat in-form Carlton or Melbourne to be guaranteed of not missing the finals.

"As much as you're favourites on paper, based on ladder position, it can belie what's actually in front of you," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"Another learning night, a disappointing one because there was something at stake tonight around at least being certain to play one more game, and now that's up for grabs again."

Meanwhile, Beveridge believes players are looked after better than ever, as the AFL and Geelong continue to face questions about their handling of a concussion issue.

The Cats avoided any sanction from the AFL for making a deal in 2024 with a player, who had a history of concussions, that allowed him to waive some potential legal rights over any future brain trauma.

Calling it a "complex and unique case", the AFL insisted it was "satisfied that the letter was not used by Geelong to allow a medically unfit player to return to play" as the player had been cleared to return by the AFL's concussion panel.

The Cats also issued a statement, saying they would remove the waiver from the contract.

When asked about the Cats' case, Beveridge spoke generally about concussion rather than commenting directly.

"I think every player wants to keep playing until your boots fall off," Beveridge said.

"All I know that when I was playing, we all had concussions, and if I had to sign a waiver to keep playing, I would have.

"We're so careful with our players now. 

"The way we train, as far as the duty of care goes, we really look after them."

Clarkson, who earlier this year criticised insurance company Zurich for rejecting concussion insurance claims, said he knew nothing about Geelong's case.