The Western Bulldogs have fallen to Hawthorn by seven points at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Trailing by just eight points heading into the final term, a flurry of goals got the hosts back within striking distance late.
But the Hawks were quick to respond, sealing the 14.7 (91) to 14.14 (98) result in the dying seconds.
The match started off with a bang – the Dogs booting three quick goals in succession, before the visitors slowly closed the deficit.
A one-goal to three second quarter meant the Bulldogs were chasing an eight-point advantage, and to their credit came out firing after half-time.
But again the Hawks were able to arrest momentum when it mattered most, keeping that buffer in their favour.
Ultimately left to lick their wounds, the Dogs did outscore the Hawks by 45 points from stoppages – their fourth-best total since the start of 2021.
Skipper Marcus Bontempelli did what he could to will his side forward, finishing with 26 disposals, five tackles, two goals and 11 score involvements.
Adam Treloar was also impactful, with 33 touches, seven tackles and nine clearances, as was Bailey Dale (29 touches, eight marks, 691 metres gained) and Tim English (18 touches, nine marks, two goals, 31 hit-outs).
The Bulldogs will look to reset and go again next weekend, with a Saturday night meeting against Richmond at the MCG awaiting.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 5.1 6.3 8.7 14.7 (91)
HAWTHORN 4.2 7.5 9.9 14.14 (98)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer 2, Naughton 2, Williams 2, Bontempelli 2, English 2, Ugle-Hagan 2, Richards, Darcy,
Hawthorn: Macdonald 3, Gunston 2, Dear 2, Weddle, Ward, Newcombe, Moore, Meek, Sicily, Ginnivan
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, English, Dale, Treloar, Harmes, Richards
Hawthorn: Sicily, Impey, Meek, Nash, Moore, Newcombe
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: TBC
Hawthorn: Sicily (shoulder)
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Oskar Baker, replaced Charlie Clarke in the third quarter
Hawthorn: Nick Watson, replaced Cam Mackenzie in the third quarter
Crowd: 29,555 at Marvel Stadium
