The Bulldogs kicked five to goals to nil in the last quarter to win the NAB Challenge match 14.17 (101) to 10.3. (63).
It was some established names that got the Dogs over the line after they went into three-quarter time with a lead of just two points.
Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross, Daniel Giansiracusa, Dale Morris and Nathan Eagleton all made im-pressive returns for the red, white and blue.
Despite the Bulldogs struggling at times in the wet and slippery conditions - a stark contrast to the comfort of the Docklands roof - the dash of Ryan Griffin and Daniel Cross across the middle excited the crowd gathered at Casey, while Shaun Higgins’ hard work in the Bulldogs forward line had fans confident of a stellar season beckoning in 2009.
Josh Hill lit up the third term, kicking three goals under the gloomy skies at Cranbourne as he and others looks to cement a berth in the Bulldogs round one clash against Fremantle at Subiaco.
Star forward Robert Murphy and reigning Brownlow medalist Adam Cooney were also solid after pre-seasons curtailed by injury.
The Demons will be disappointed to have let the margin blow out in the final term, but of more concern to coach Dean Bailey will be the health of three of players forced to leave the field.
Aaron Davey, who began the match as a dangerous combination across half forward with Neville Jetta, hobbled off the ground early in the final quarter with a foot injury.
Ricky Petterd left the ground in the third quarter with a hip injury after accidental contact in an awkward contest. The tough midfielder spent the rest of the match icing the injured area, while Daniel Bell also came off in the third quarter with a suspected broken thumb.
The Demons next match is their season opener against North Melbourne, while the Bulldogs travel to Perth for the clash with Fremantle.
Melbourne 2.1 (13) 7.3 (45) 10.3 (63) 10.3 (63)
Western Bulldogs 2.7 (19) 5.10 (40) 9.11 (65) 14.17 (101)
GOALS
Melbourne: Green 3, Miller, Jetta, Newton, Davey, McLean, McDonald, Jones
Western Bulldogs: Hill 3, Johnson 2, Higgins 2, Griffin 2, Akermanis, Hahn, Harbrow, Cross, Ward.
BEST
Melbourne: Green, Jones, McDonald, Jetta, Buckley, Garland.
Western Bulldogs: Cross, Gilbee, Griffin, Hill, Boyd, Higgins,
INJURIES
Melbourne: Petterd (corked hip), Bell (suspected broken thumb), Davey (bruised heel)
Western Bulldogs:
Reports: Clint Bartram for making front on contact with Daniel Giansiracusa in the fourth quarter.
Umpires: Kennedy, Mollison, Stewart.
Crowd: 2500 (approx) at Casey Fields
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
