The VFLW Bulldogs have suffered an opening round loss to Essendon on Saturday afternoon.

In new coach Kirby Bentley’s first match at the helm, the Bulldogs struggled to get on the board against a slick Essendon outfit, going down by 98 points at The Hangar.

Despite some patches which displayed the Dogs’ potential, it was ultimately a one-sided affair – the home side just too strong on their deck.

The Bulldogs’ defence did what it could to stop the onslaught, but the damage had already been done.

Eliza Vale found plenty of the footy with 18 touches and seven marks, while Lucy Schneider followed suit with 18 disposals of her own, plus six marks and four tackles.

Jaimee-Lee Morrow won the hitouts with 24 and 12 possessions, while Mikayla Barnes (14 disposals, six tackles) tried her best.

The Bulldogs will look to reset when they meet Williamstown in round two.

Essendon 4.1 8.2 12.4 15.8 (98)

Western Bulldogs 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)