A relatively strong Bulldogs side outclassed a young North Melbourne squad, 0.8.6 (54) to 1.2.2 (23) at Skilled Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Veszpremi, who was traded by the Sydney Swans at the end of last season, was impressive in the 40 minute hit-out with 10 touches, two goals and one score assist.
Despite dominating play in the first half, the Bulldogs struggled going forward in the early stages of the game with spearhead Barry Hall a notable absentee.
But it wasn't long before the Bulldogs' restructured forward line started to click, with veteran Mitch Hahn, Veszpremi and Jordan Roughead kicking three quick goals within the last five minutes of the half.
The Kangaroos first and only goal in the first half came from midfielder Andrew Swallow on the half-time siren, giving the Bulldogs a 17-point lead going into the break.
Veszpremi got the Bulldogs firing after half-time with his second goal for the day, while young Dog Jarrad Grant was busy up forward taking seven marks and kicking two goals.
The Western Bulldogs' father-son draftee Mitch Wallis showed some promising signs in the midfield during his first senior hit-out with seven disposals, while second-year rookie Matthew Panos' efforts would have pleased coach Rodney Eade.
Lindsay Thomas opened up the Kangaroos' account in the second half with a 55 metre supergoal but that was a rare highlight in an otherwise poor second half.
There was little for North Melbourne fans to smile about in their second loss for the day although new recruit Cam Richardson continued his good form in the Kangaroos' second hit out with 13 possessions, and Robbie Tarrant was strong for the blue and white in defence.
Majak Daw was also a hit for the Kangaroos, doing well at stoppages and winning many knockouts. The hard work both he and the Kangaroos have been putting in looks likely to pay off this season.
Although the Roos have a large group of big men, Daw's versatility could see him making his way into North's best 22 - at worst, he looks an ideal candidate for the sub's jersey.
North Melbourne 1.2.2 (23)
Western Bulldogs 0.8.6 (54)
GOALS North Melbourne: Nine-point goals: Lindsay Thomas. Goals: Andrew Swallow, Drew Petrie Western Bulldogs: Nine-point goals: Nil. Goals: Jarrad Grant, Patrick Veszpremi (2), Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Jordan Roughead, Daniel Giansiracusa
BEST North Melbourne: Cam Richardson, Robbie Tarrant, Andrew Swallow, Liam Anthony Western Bulldogs: Matthew Boyd, Jarrad Grant, Patrick Veszpremi, Brodie Moles
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Shaun Atley (nose), Marcus White (shoulder)
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Hayden Kennedy, Michael Jennnings, Leigh Haussen, Heath Ryan, Shaun Ryan, Nicholas Foot
Crowd: 10,000 (approximately) at Skilled Stadium
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
