The Western Bulldogs have completed their pre-season preparations with a six-point defeat to the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
In a re-match of last year’s semi-final classic, both sides warmed up for the season proper with a bruising contest under the roof.
The Dogs showed plenty of good signs throughout the match, with midfield duo Jackson Macrae (31) and Josh Dunkley (32) finding lots of the ball.
Aaron Naughton was the most influential forward on the ground with three majors and a number of crunching pack marks.
Tim English impressed in the ruck, finding 21 touches and creating a contest forward of the ball.
Naughton started the fixture in typical fashion with a stunning pack mark and conversion in the first minute of the game.
After a blistering start, the Dogs couldn’t find their rhythm in second term as Brisbane kicked six goals to three, opening up a 19-point lead at the main break.
The Bulldogs stayed in the contest by matching the Lions' three majors in the third stanza, before launching a late charge which ultimately fell just short.
The Dogs kicked 2.7 in the final term to Brisbane's two behinds - the strong finish an encouraging sign for the season opener against Melbourne on March 16.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.4 6.7 9.7 11.14 (80)
BRISBANE LIONS 3.2 9.8 12.12 12.14 (86)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Treloar 2, Bontempelli, Crozier, Dale, Dunkley, Johannisen, Williams
Brisbane: Bailey 2, Cameron 2, McStay 2, McCluggage, Cockatoo, McCarthy, Neale, Rich, Robertson
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Dunkley, Treloar, Naughton, Williams, Bontempelli
Brisbane: Neale, Bailey, Cameron, McStay, McCluggage, Rich
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Keath (leg), Hannan (ankle)
Brisbane: Rayner (family) replaced in selected side by Robertson; Gardiner (quad) replaced in selected side by Fullarton; Coleman (hamstring); Madden (ankle); Robertson
Reports: Nil
