The Western Bulldogs have gone down to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite not scoring their first major until 18 minutes to go in the second quarter, the Bulldogs were able to work their way into the otherwise one-sided affair, slotting four unanswered goals to trail by just five points at the main break.

But it was all St Kilda after half-time, adding nine majors to one to inflict a 5.11 (41) to 14.8 (92) loss.

Disappointingly, the inaccurate Bulldogs were held goalless in the last – ultimately averting any chance of a comeback.

The result also sees the Dogs relinquish the Barker-Whitten Challenge Plate.

08:09

Match Highlights | RD2 vs St Kilda

The Bulldogs and Saints clash in round two

Bailey Smith finished the game as the leading Dogs’ disposal-getter, notching up 27 touches, six marks, four clearances and 596 metres gained.

Tom Liberatore and Marcus Bontempelli did what they could to try and arrest momentum, registering 24 disposals apiece.

The duo also recorded 13 clearances between them, with the skipper also gaining 356 metres from 82% time on ground.

Tim English was once again strong in the contest, winning 25 hit outs, five clearances and five tackles.

01:10

Hayden Crozier | 'We shouldn't be putting up that performance'

Hayden Crozier talks post the round 2 loss to St Kilda.

Robbie McComb was activated as the tactical substitute in the third term, replacing Sam Darcy.

The Bulldogs will return to Marvel Stadium on Thursday night, hosting Brisbane at 7.20pm.

WESTERN BULLDOGS     0.1     4.5     5.8      5.11 (41)
ST KILDA                        4.1     5.4     11.5     14.8 (92)

GOALS 
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, Garcia, English, Baker
St Kilda: Phillipou 3, Owens 3, Gresham 2, Cordy 2, Caminiti 2, Wood, Steele

BEST 
Western Bulldogs: English, Crozier, Liberatore, Bontempelli
St Kilda: Steele, Sinclair, Owens, Crouch, Marshall, Wood, Phillipou