MELBOURNE has overrun an inexperienced Western Bulldogs line-up to remain undefeated in the first two rounds of the NAB Challenge.

In blustery conditions, Melbourne kicked four goals with the wind in the last quarter to win by 12 points, kicking 0.10.12 (72) to 1.7.9 (60).

The Western Bulldogs did not kick a goal into the wind in either the second or last quarter.

However, the day was a positive one for the Bulldogs, with star midfielder Tom Liberatore making a successful comeback from a knee reconstruction that forced him to miss last season.

They also gave seven of the eight players that joined the club in the off-season a taste of senior action, with free agent Matt Suckling the only new player to miss.

Josh Dunkley was impressive and Bailey Williams kicked a nice, long goal in his first game.

Jack Watts was lively up forward for Melbourne, kicking three goals in the absence of key forward Jesse Hogan, while 18-year-old midfielder Clayton Oliver once again pushed a strong case to be included in round one against Greater Western Sydney with 17 disposals.

Jack Viney was his usual industrious self while Nathan Jones, who had neck surgery in the off-season and then hurt his knee a month ago, and Bernie Vince will be better for the run.

Small forward Jeff Garlett also looked dangerous and promises to build on his impressive performance last season when he kicked 40 goals.

The Bulldogs decided to give Robert Murphy, Dale Morris, Matthew Boyd, Jake Stringer, Marcus Bontempelli and Jack Macrae a rest, but they intend to play close to a full strength team against Collingwood next Saturday.

That side will give an indication of the Bulldogs thoughts ahead of their round one clash against Fremantle.

The 23-year-old Liberatore had 16 disposals and showed a glimpse of the future in the second quarter when he rifled a pass off half-back to a leading Tom Boyd that eventually led to a shot at goal from first gamer Dunkley.

Big Boyd showed his potential when he took a screamer 12 minutes into the third quarter, but he missed the set shot to bring his tally to three behinds for the day. 

WESTERN BULLDOGS    0.4.3    0.4.5    1.7.8     1.7.9 (60)
MELBOURNE                  0.1.2    0.4.4     0.6.5    0.10.12 (72)

NAB SUPERGOALS
Western Bulldogs: Webb
Melbourne: Nil

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Hrovat, Roughead, Minson, Redpath, Williams, Honeychurch, Jong
Melbourne: Watts 3, Pedersen, Garlett, vandenBerg, Tyson, Harmes, N. Jones, Frost

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Jong, Hrovat, Honeychurch, Liberatore, Daniel
Melbourne: Viney, N. Jones, Watts, Vince, Bugg

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Scott Jeffery, Ben Ryan, Chris Kamolins

Official crowd: 4139 at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn