The Western Bulldogs have gone down to Gold Coast in their AFLW practice match on Saturday evening.

A slow start saw the hosts kick five unanswered goals before the Dogs got going, resulting in the 10.8 (68) to 3.2 (20) affair at People First Stadium.

The Bulldogs improved after quarter-time, with Maggie Gorham slotting the team’s first following repeat efforts.

Ellie Blackburn added the Dogs’ second early in the third, while Heidi Woodley was rewarded for effort late in the fourth.

02:54

AFLW Practice Match | Highlights

Catch some of the best moments from the practice game against the Suns.

Despite the result, there were plenty of positives from the Bulldogs’ performance - with their next challenge to string more of those moments together on a more consistent basis.

Isabelle Pritchard was strong at the contest, finishing with 16 touches and eight tackles, while the Bulldogs’ backline led by trio Lauren Ahrens, Isabella Grant and Elisabeth Georgostathis did their best to repel the Suns’ entries.

Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner and Brooke Barwick enjoyed their first runs in the red, white and blue, while fellow draftee Cleo Buttifant played without fear.

Blackburn finished with a team-high 20 disposals, five marks and four clearances, while Jess Fitzgerald (18 disposals, four tackles) and Gorham (16 disposals, three clearances) were also solid.

02:12

Maggie Gorham | 'Need the energy levels up from the beginning'

Maggie speaks following the practice match against the Suns.

The Bulldogs will have a week off before their season opener against GWS at Manuka Oval on Saturday 31 August.

Match Details

GOLD COAST SUNS 5.2 7.4 9.6 10.8 (68)

WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.0 1.0 2.1 3.2 (20)

Goals: Gorham, Blackburn, Woodley.