The Western Bulldogs have suffered a 41-point defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba on Thursday night.

The Bulldogs started strong and controlled the game early, but it was all the hosts after quarter-time in the 16.12 (108) to 9.13 (67) affair.

It leaves the Dogs with some work to do in the back-half of the season, slipping to ninth on the ladder with seven games to play.

The opening term was full of highlights, from Jason Johannisen’s classy goal on the run to Tom Liberatore’s impressive snap from the pocket.

00:32

Ridiculous Libba goal turns heads

Tom Liberatore somehow manages to land this outrageous kick

But while the Dogs dominated the first, there was little scoreboard reward for their efforts – taking just a six-point lead into the quarter-time break.

Adam Treloar got things going in the second, but it didn’t take long for the Lions to peg back with three unanswered goals.

The Bulldogs found a response through Aaron Naughton to regain the lead, but couldn’t hold on as half-time approached, trailing by eight points at the main break.

Brisbane piled on 15 goals to seven in the second half, with the Dogs struggling to capitalise on their forward forays, producing just nine goals from 57 inside 50s.

Cody Weightman and Rhylee West contributed late for some consolation, but by that stage the game was well and truly over.

Bailey Dale was one of the Bulldogs’ strongest, registering 32 touches, five marks and 637 metres gained in his 100th match, while Tom Liberatore (33 disposals, seven marks, eight clearances, one goal) was equally as influential.

200-gamer Jack Macrae was solid with 33 possessions and 10 clearances, Josh Dunkley worked hard for his 27 disposals and six tackles, and debutant Dom Bedendo impressed with one goal from 11 disposals.

00:34

Bedendo buries first AFL goal on debut and gets swarmed

Bulldogs debutant Dominic Bedendo is surrounded by teammates after nailing his first goal in the AFL

Aaron Naughton finished with two goals, taking his 2022 tally to 40 overall.

The Bulldogs will have an eight-day break before taking on Sydney at the SCG next Friday night.

BRISBANE     1.5       6.9       12.11  16.12 (108)
WESTERN BULLDOGS         2.5       5.7       7.9       9.13 (67)

GOALS  
Brisbane: Cameron 4, Berry 2, Daniher 2, McCarthy 2, Bailey, Hipwood, McCluggage, Neale, Rayner, Tunstill
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, West 2, Bedendo, Johannisen, Liberatore, Treloar, Weightman

BEST  
Brisbane: Cameron, Coleman, McCluggage, Andrews, Neale, Berry
Western Bulldogs: Macrae, Liberatore, Dale, Naughton, Bontempelli

INJURIES  
Brisbane: Zorko (hamstring), Rich (hamstring)
Western Bulldogs: Nil

SUBSTITUTES  
Brisbane: Jaxon Prior (replaced Dayne Zorko in the first quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Riley Garcia (unused)