The Western Bulldogs have suffered a 17-point loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

What started as a hot contest quickly changed when second-half injuries to Tim O’Brien, Laith Vandermeer and Cody Weightman wreaked havoc, proving too much for the undermanned Bulldogs in the 12.14 (86) to 10.9 (69) result.

Slotting two quick goals in the first term through Lachie McNeil and Bailey Smith, the Bulldogs displayed some early dominance before the Power found their way into the match.

Trailing by two points at the quarter-time, the second was more of an arm wrestle as the hosts arrested momentum back, but the Dogs were able to remain within arm’s reach.

The third quarter was ultimately where the game was won though, with the home side adding five goals and forcing the Bulldogs into chasing a 24-point deficit with a quarter to play.

Port peppered the behinds early in the last, leaving the door open for a red, white and blue comeback.

But now two down on the bench - having already activated their medical substitute – the depleted Dogs had barely anything left in the tank.

Buku Khamis’ first career goal was a highlight, while spearhead Aaron Naughton finished with four majors from six marks.

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Buku brings down the house with first AFL goal

An army of Bulldogs surround Buku Khamis after the exciting talent notches his first major in the big league

Stand-in skipper Jack Macrae found plenty of the ball, registering 32 disposals and 10 clearances, while Bailey Smith (24, four tackles, six inside 50s, two goals and 578 metres gained) was impactful.

The Bulldogs will have a seven-day break before meeting Collingwood at Marvel Stadium next Friday night.

PORT ADELAIDE      5.0      7.4      12.8    12.14 (86)
WESTERN BULLDOGS    4.4            6.6      8.8      10.9 (69)

GOALS  
Port Adelaide: Finlayson 3, Marshall 2, Powell-Pepper 2, Gray 2, Motlop, Boak, Dumont
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, B.Smith 2, Dunkley, Khamis, McNeil, Liberatore

BEST  
Port Adelaide: Boak, Marshall, Rozee, Finalyson, Bonner, Amon
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, B.Smith, Macrae, Dale, Liberatore

INJURIES  
Port Adelaide: Bonner (ankle)
Western Bulldogs: O'Brien (calf), Vandermeer (hamstring), Weightman (shoulder)

SUBSTITUTES  
Port Adelaide: Lachie Jones (replaced Bonner at three-quarter time)
Western Bulldogs: Hayden Crozier (replaced O'Brien in the third quarter)