The Western Bulldogs have put up a fight against reigning premier Brisbane on Wednesday night at Brighton Homes Arena.

It was always likely to be one-way traffic against the winless Dogs, but steadied after quarter-time in a 11.15 (81) to 5.4 (34) affair.

The premier dominated early, recording 17 inside 50s to one in the first quarter to establish a 22-point advantage that was never challenged.

Brisbane played without spearhead Dakota Davidson, who was the latest of late withdrawals with illness, but it made little difference as Taylor Smith starred in the front half of the ground.

Sophie Conway was damaging by foot, gaining 633m – almost double the next highest on the ground – and mixed in some rugged defensive pressure with eight tackles. Belle Dawes (20 and a goal) and Ally Anderson (25) were also instrumental in the win.

It was far from the perfect performance from Brisbane, as the Bulldogs showed plenty of bite, particularly after half-time.

Trailing by 33 at the half, the Dogs kicked four goals, and conceded just five, in the second half.

Isabelle Pritchard (19 disposals and five clearances) and Sarah Hartwig (two goals) were the team's best players, while Lauren Ahrens (19 disposals, three marks, six intercepts) was solid in defence.

Jasmyn Smith finished with six tackles, as did Heidi Woodley. 

Elaine Grigg kicked her maiden AFLW goal in unlikely fashion, providing a memorable moment for the 18-year-old.

Some bark from the Dogs
This looked like it might get ugly early, but to the Bulldogs' credit, they fought back and threw some punches at the premiers. After kicking just four goals in their first three winless matches to start the season, it looked like being another tough day as they trailed by 33 at half-time. However, following goals by Elaine Grigg and Elle Bennetts in the third quarter, the Dogs grew in confidence and began challenging Brisbane's defence. Isabelle Pritchard was excellent, while Sarah Hartwig (2.2 from 11 disposals) was dangerous from limited opportunities.

Up next
Brisbane is on the plane to Perth on Thursday to prepare for its four-day turnaround ahead of facing West Coast on Sunday at 3.05pm AWST. Likewise, the Dogs have a four-day break, heading back to Melbourne to face Collingwood at Victoria Park on Sunday at 3.05pm AEST.

Match Details

BRISBANE     3.4       6.5       8.13     11.15 (81)
WESTERN BULLDOGS         0.0       1.2       3.3       5.4 (34)

GOALS
Brisbane: Smith 4, Conway 2, C.Svarc, Hodder, Hartill, Dawes, Yoshida-Martin
Western Bulldogs: Hartwig 2, Grigg, Berry, Bennetts

BEST 
Brisbane: Conway, Dawes, Smith, Anderson, Koenen, Mullins
Western Bulldogs: Pritchard, Hartwig, Fitzgerald, Grant, Ahrens

INJURIES
Brisbane: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Brisbane: Dakota Davidson (illness) replaced in selected side by Luka Yoshida-Martin
Western Bulldogs: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 2712 at Brighton Homes Arena