The Western Bulldogs have gone down in their final tune-up before Round 1, falling to a slick North Melbourne outfit by 51 points in practice game at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The young Bulldogs found it difficult from the outset, with the experienced Kangaroos eventually prevailing 8.11 (59) to 1.2 (8).

It could have been worse if not for defender Ellyse Gamble, thwarting a number of attacks from the opposition side.

Gamble’s ability to read the play and intercept mark was a highlight of the opening half, while skipper Ellie Blackburn found plenty of the football early in the contest.

01:42

Amanda Ling | 'It was good getting to run out, finally'

Hear from Amanda Ling after her first hit-out in a practice match against North Melbourne at VU Whitten Oval.

Nell Morris-Dalton provided a spark in the third quarter, taking a strong mark before converting from directly in front, while Hannah Scott upped her intensity with ferocious tackling. 

Richelle Cranston grew into the contest, displaying flashes of brilliance late in the game.

Elle Bennetts pulled on the red, white and blue for the first time and did not look out of place, while draftee Amanda Ling played midfield minutes in her first contribution at the club.

Positively, the Bulldogs came away from the fixture with no serious injuries as attention now turns to Round 1.

The squad will take a break over the Christmas period before returning to tune up for Melbourne under lights at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday, January 8.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 0.0 0.0 1.2 1.2 (8)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.2 5.5 7.8 8.11 (59)

Goal: Morris-Dalton.