With a focus on development, the Western Bulldogs sent an inexperienced side to Sydney for the inaugural AFLX tournament and have come away with successive losses to the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns.

A sight sure to please fans was the return of  running defender Roarke Smith who missed all of 2017 with a knee injury, and in his first game back was able to show he’s lost none of his dash and athleticism.

His long six-pointer late in game two was a highlight.

205cm ruckman Tim English also had some moments; his agility and ball use impressive for a player of his size, while the 9th pick in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, Aaron Naughton displayed a good set of hands and an eye for goal.

The Bulldogs begin their JLT Community Series campaign on Saturday, 3 March against Hawthorn at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.  

Game 1: Sydney Swans 88 d Western Bulldogs 36

Line-Up: Aaron Naughton - Tim English - Lukas Webb - Patrick Lipinski - Callum Porter - Jack Redpath - Nathan Mullenger-McHugh - Billy Gowers - Fergus Greene - Lewis Young

Game 2: Gold Coast Suns 87 d Western Bulldogs 22

Line-Up: Richards - Tim English - Lukas Webb - Patrick Lipinski - Callum Porter - Jack Redpath - Nathan Mullenger-McHugh - Roarke Smith - Fergus Greene - Lewis Young