Wollongong led by 13 points heading into the final quarter before blasting away their opponent, kicking seven goals to one to run out winners by 16.12 (108) to 8.7 (55) at Keira Oval.

Matthew Westaway was the dominant figure, picking up plenty of possessions and kicking four goals for the winners, while teammate Jay Banks also booted four. The win means the Bulldogs will finish the regular Men's Premier Division season in second spot, while it's curtains for the Tigers in 2020.

"It was a really tough win," Bulldogs playing-coach Aidan Leishman told the Mercury.

"It was probably the first time of the year that we've played four quarters of footy and stuck to our game plan, and that's what we wanted in the last quarter. We really spoke about once we got on top, playing our game of footy, putting the foot on the throat and really trying to finish off strongly.

"They had a few clearances out of the middle [in the last quarter] and had us on the back foot, but it was really pleasing to see how the boys responded. And once we got those next few goals, we really took off. It was a massive last quarter for us."

Leishman said it was the "perfect" game for the Bulldogs to cap off the regular season, with this year's finals series to begin next Saturday.

"We knew they were going to bring it, they had to win to make the finals," he said.

"It was finals like pressure, they cracked in hard all day. So it was a really good hit out to fine tune for next week."

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It was a fierce contest from the outset, with Norths hitting the scoreboard early through Cody Haub. However, the Bulldogs almost had an immediate reply with a nice goal on the run from Westaway.

The game settled into a pattern of end-to-end footy in the opening 10 minutes, but both team's defences proved up to the task.

Norths continued to battle hard and were rewarded when Zac Martin snapped truly. However, a contentious free kick to the Bulldogs in front of goals soon after proved beneficial for Banks.

The Tigers continued to play aggressive footy but were punished when Wollongong kicked the ball in deep to an unmanned Samuel Conte, who turned around and booted the goal.

However, Norths were able to manage an immediate reply through Brendan Davis to cut the deficit to one point at quarter time.

The home side started the second quarter with a quick goal, but two misses from Jordan Rettke let the Tigers off the hook.

Norths made them pay, with Owen Kocyan taking a nice contested mark at the other end and kicking the goal. The Tigers continued to enjoy the momentum and took the lead when Haub dribbled through his second goal.

The joy was only lasted a few minutes though, as Westaway kicked a nice goal on the run for Wollongong.

With the clock ticking down to half time, Bayden Beesley managed a wonderful snap from the boundary line to give the Bulldogs some breathing room.

The Dogs led by eight points at the main break.

With their finals hopes on the line, Norths needed to start the third well. And they definitely had their chances, however, the visitors missed three shots at goal.

The Bulldogs made them pay almost immediately, with Banks coolly slotting a goal to push their advantage out to 11 points.

And, then, Westaway was able to kick truly, his third goal for the day, as the Bulldogs extended their advantage.

However, the Tigers refused to give in. After receiving a free kick, Martin slotted the goal from the boundary to cut the deficit back to 11.

The game continued to go from end to end quickly, however, it was Norths who managed to hit the scoreboard next through Davis.

But, for the second quarter in a row, the Bulldogs were able to score a late goal - this time through Jack Kelly - to kick ahead. They led by 9.8 (62) to 7.7 (49) at three-quarter time.

And it was the home side who enjoyed the perfect start to the last quarter.

From the centre clearance, the ball was driven in long to a pack contest, falling to the ground and landing in the hands of Westaway who booted his fourth goal.

It continued to be a free-flowing game, but it was the Bulldogs who were able to muster the killer blows with two quick goals, including a nice finish from Banks.

Momentum continued to swing towards the Dogs, with Hamish Ahern taking a strong contested mark and kicking the goal. Banks was then able to coolly slot a goal from the boundary line.

At the other end, Jack Collimore was able to get a late consolation goal for the Tigers - their first of the quarter. However, Conte cancelled that goal out with one of his own for the Dogs.

Conte then booted another goal on the siren to round out the 16.12 (108) to 8.7 (55) victory.

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For Tigers coach Leigh Forsyth, it was a disappointing way to finish their 2020 campaign.

"I don't think we were at our best. We were up for the fight but, at the end of the day, they were too good. It's as simple as that. It's pretty disappointing. I think, collectively, we thought we were thereabouts but they were just too good, particularly in the second half," he said.

"But there's one thing you can never say about this group is they don't give you 100 per cent, it's a consistent theme across the club. You win some, you lose some. But at the end of the day, the scoreboard is what is what it is. All you can do is try best and it will take care of itself.

"But in terms of efforts, the work rate since Christmas, even with the shutdown, has been outstanding. You couldn't fault that. Sooner or later, we'll break through."