A six-goal haul to Majak Daw steered North Melbourne past the Western Bulldogs by 54 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

In just his fourth AFL match, the first Sudanese player in the sport’s top level proved the difference as North poured on nine goals in the final term to win 22.19 (151) to 15.7 (97).

Daw’s goals also came at critical times to keep North afloat as the Bulldogs – with midfielder Ryan Griffen outstanding – pressured them for three quarters until tiring and falling apart in the last.

The 22-year-old’s pair of late second-quarter goals helped the Kangaroos to a 13-point halftime lead.

Then Daw grabbed a critical mark and goal seconds before three-quarter time to break a spirited Dogs side, and give North an important 19-point lead at the final change which they built on for victory.

Earlier, the teams had traded goals and the lead four times throughout the third term.

The Kangaroos ran riot in the final quarter, icing the game in style with a three-bounce running goal to Shaun Atley and Daw’s sixth late in the term from a free-kick.

Drew Petrie snagged three goals for North, forward Aaron Black booted two and was heavily involved, while midfielder Jack Ziebell starred with 27 touches.

Griffen was clearly the Bulldogs’ best with 34 possessions, while Nick Lower did a fine job to limit North skipper Andrew Swallow’s involvement.

Swallow left the field with what appeared a knee injury late in the match when Bulldogs player Liam Picken jumped across his leg while attempting a smother.

Daniel Giansiracusa was the Dogs’ leading goalkicker with four.

North Melbourne move to a 3-4 win-loss record, while the Bulldogs are 1-6.

The Dogs have won just two of their past 21 matches.