North Melbourne’s decision to rest nine players, as minor premiers Fremantle will also do, caught the ire of many but not Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.

Beveridge says the resting of players in round 23 “adds to the intrigue” of the AFL finals series.

“Everyone will be looking to next week to see how Fremantle plays and how the Kangaroos play based on what they’ve done … it’s really interesting for everyone,” he said.

The Bulldogs fly to Brisbane to take on the Lions on Saturday and need to win to sew up a home final.