The Western Bulldogs have been defeated by Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night on their 140-year anniversary.

Coming as close as eight points midway through the final quarter, the Bulldogs couldn’t stop the opposition momentum late - eventually going down 13.7 (85) to 16.11 (107).

The first quarter was a free-flowing shootout, as the two sides exchanged goals to combine for 10 majors at the first break.

That theme continued in the second, with the Bulldogs able to halve their quarter-time deficit to head into the main break trailing by just four points.

The Dogs’ defence was put to the ultimate test in the third as Port went forward with every opportunity, before a much-needed Rhylee West major got the team back within striking distance.

Marcus Bontempelli made the most of a free kick late in the third, converting truly to close the margin yet again.

Taking a 19-point deficit into the final quarter, the Bulldogs weren’t backing down without a fight.

Majors from Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Tim English and Jack Macrae showed glimpses of what could have been, but there was no stopping Port in the end.

The match was a fiery contest throughout, with physicality and the pressure at a high for both sides.

Tom Liberatore was one of the Bulldogs’ best, finishing with 34 touches, five tackles and 11 clearances, followed by Adam Treloar (34 disposals, five tackles, five clearances, one goal).

Bontempelli (31 disposals, six tackles, one goal) did his best to inspire, while Cody Weightman (13 disposals, three goals), Ugle-Hagan (12 disposals, two goals) and Aaron Naughton (six disposals, two goals) fired up forward.

Oskar Baker was activated as the tactical substitute midway through the third, replacing James O’Donnell.

The Bulldogs will have a nine-day break before meeting North Melbourne next Sunday afternoon.

WESTERN BULLDOGS        4.5     7.5      9.6        13.7 (85)
PORT ADELAIDE                6.1     8.3     12.7      16.11 (107)

GOALS 
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 3, Ugle-Hagan 2, Naughton 2, West, Treloar, Macrae, English, Daniel, Bontempelli

Port Adelaide: Dixon 4, Powell-Pepper 2, McEntee 2, Marshall 2, Horne-Francis 2, Finlayson 2, Rozee, Butters

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore, Smith, Daniel, Treloar, Bontempelli 
Port Adelaide: Butters, Dixon, Jones, Rozee, Horne-Francis 

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil 
Port Adelaide: Nil

SUBSTITUTES   
Western Bulldogs: Oskar Baker (replaced James O'Donnell in third quarter) 
Port Adelaide: Riley Bonner (replaced Josh Sinn in fourth quarter) 

Crowd: 23,110 at Marvel Stadium