The Western Bulldogs have suffered a 29-point loss to Essendon on Friday night at Marvel Stadium. 

In what started as a tight tussle, the Bulldogs struggled to respond to Essendon's pressure in the second-half,  eventually going down 9.13 (67) to 15.6 (96). 

A few late consolation goals helped the Dogs close the gap, but were ultimately left to rue some earlier inaccuracy and uncharacteristic errors which left the Dons within arms reach. 

Adam Treloar led the Bulldogs' stats sheet with 28 touches, eight tackles and four clearances, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (12 disposals, three goals, seven marks) enjoyed some nice moments in his 50th career game.

Senior Dogs Taylor Duryea (25 disposals, four marks), Tom Liberatore (25 disposals, six tackles, 10 clearances) and Jack Macrae (25 disposals, six inside 50s) were also important in helping set the tone.

Last week's Rising Star nominee Sam Darcy (13 disposals, one goal, eight marks) was solid.

The 50,144 crowd marked the largest attendance ever between the Dogs and Dons at Marvel, and biggest crowd at the venue since 2013.

The Bulldogs will not have to wait too long to make amends, with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night their next opportunity.

WESTERN BULLDOGS       4.2     6.6     7.9      9.13     (67)
ESSENDON                        5.0     8.2     10.5    15.6     (96)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 3, West 2, Naughton 2, Vandermeer, Darcy
Essendon: Langford 3, Jones 2, Stringer 2, Duursma 2, Goldstein, Caldwell, Martin, A. Davey, Gresham, Durham 

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Treloar, Macrae, Ugle-Hagan, Richards, Liberatore
Essendon: Durham, Merrett, Duursma, Langford, Goldstein, Caldwell

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Essendon: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Bailey Dale (replaced Ryley Sanders in the third term)
Essendon: Nick Hind (replaced Jye Menzie at three-quarter time)

 Crowd: 50,144 at Marvel Stadium