The Western Bulldogs have fallen two goals short to Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
The Bulldogs led at both the first and main breaks, but a six-goal third-term burst in the Pies’ favour ultimately proved the difference in the 11.11 (77) to 13.11 (89) result.
To the Dogs’ credit they fought gallantly right to the end, cutting a 38-point deficit with the final four goals of the match, but ran out of time to stage an upset.
The hosts gave themselves a handy buffer early, slotting the opening three majors before Collingwood could even get on the board.
But the visitors chipped away slowly, before flexing their muscles in the third term and showing why they’re top of the ladder.
The Bulldogs didn’t go down without a fight though, moving the ball forward with every opportunity to pepper the shots at goal in the final quarter, but couldn’t quite close the gap.
Aaron Naughton (four goals from 12 disposals) and Cody Weightman (four goals from 17 disposals) fired inside 50, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan finished with 16 touches, 10 marks and two goals.
Birthday boy Caleb Daniel led the stats sheet with 32 disposals, six tackles, five clearances and 451 metres gained.
Skipper Marcus Bontempelli was also important, collecting 29 touches, eight tackles, six clearances and five inside 50s.
The Bulldogs will meet Sydney at the SCG next Thursday night.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.1 6.5 7.7 11.11 (77)
COLLINGWOOD 1.4 5.6 11.8 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 4, Naughton 4, Ugle-Hagan 2, Poulter
Collingwood: Elliott 4, Johnson 3, N.Daicos 2, Lipinski, Frampton, De Goey, J.Daicos
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, Daniel, Ugle-Hagan, Liberatore, Weightman, Bontempelli
Collingwood: N.Daicos, Elliott, Quaynor, Noble, Crisp, J.Daicos, Johnson
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Gardner (ankle)
Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott (hand)
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Anthony Scott (replaced James O'Donnell in fourth quarter)
Collingwood: Trent Bianco (replaced Will Hoskin-Elliott at half-time)
Crowd: 43,482 at Marvel Stadium
