The Western Bulldogs have gone agonisingly close to securing their first win of the AFLW season against a rampaging Fremantle.

Hosting the Dockers just four days after their gallant road defeat to GWS, the Bulldogs’ trademark grit was on display, but they fell six points short.

Blustery conditions greeted both sets of players, with the wind favouring the Barkly Street end.

Incredibly, the Dogs kept the Dockers goalless to the ‘scoring’ end for two quarters, with the visitors’ three goals coming against the breeze, including one from a 50-metre penalty.

Just three points separated the sides at the final change, with the Bulldogs aided by the wind in the final term.

They got to within one point after kicking the first two behinds, but a running goal to Ebony Antonio against the flow of play proved to be the killer blow.

Skipper Ellie Blackburn was the most prolific Bulldog on the field with 18 disposals, while her partner in crime Kirsty Lamb (13 possessions, six clearances and a goal) was tireless with her attack on the ball.

The Bulldogs blooded two new debutants - Jemima Woods, who only recently was elevated to the senior list, and Annabel Strahan, who was rushed into the side after the late withdrawal of Bailey Hunt.

Gemma Lagioia was ruled out of the second half after suffering concussion during the second quarter.

The Bulldogs have another short break before their next assignment – another home game against Richmond at VU Whitten Oval on Sunday, February 6.

MATCH DETAILS
Western Bulldogs            0.1          2.4          2.4          2.7 (19)
Fremantle                       0.3          2.4          2.7          3.7 (25)

GOALS:
Western Bulldogs: Toogood, Lamb
Fremantle: Franklin 2, Antonio

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Lamb, Blackburn, Moody, Bennetts, Brown
Fremantle: E.Antonio, Miller, O'Driscoll, O'Sullivan, Verrier