Josh Bruce booted four goals in his first competitive hitout for the Bulldogs, in a narrow Marsh Series loss to Port Adelaide in Whyalla on Saturday afternoon.
A fast-finishing Power booted the last five goals of the game with the aid of a strong breeze to run out 10-point winners.
The performance of Bruce, the continued improvement of Tim English in the ruck and the defensive efforts of Bailey Williams that were just some of the positives the Dogs will take from the contest ahead of its Round 1 clash with Collingwood on March 20.
Lachie Hunter’s 29 disposals were an equal game high, with Josh Dunkley (28) and Marcus Bontempelli (27) also prolific.
Sam Lloyd chipped in with three goals, with English kicking two majors to go with his 37 hitouts.
The Bulldogs started with the breeze at their backs in the first term and controlled proceedings, with Bruce kicking two goals from set shots.
Port capitalised on their territorial advantage in the second, kicking five goals to two to lead by 17 points at the main break.
Lewis Young and Roarke Smith entered the game for the second half and it was Young’s goal which sparked a Bulldogs run of six of the next seven goals to have his side lead by 14 points at the final change.
The Dogs led by 20 points at 14 minute mark of last quarter, but couldn’t hold on into the wind in the final stages.
PORT ADELAIDE 3.3 8.8 9.11 14.11 (95)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.2 6.3 12.7 13.7 (85)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Lienert 2, Dixon 2, Marshall 2, Jonas, Butters, Westhoff, Farrell, Rozee, Duursma, Hartlett, Georgiades
Western Bulldogs: Bruce 4, Lloyd 3, English 2, Wallis, Young, R.Smith, Dale
BEST
Port Adelaide: Byrne-Jones, Boak, Burton, Westhoff, Powell-Pepper
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Dunkley, Bruce, Williams, English, Hunter
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Lycett (Achilles), Dixon (adductor)
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stephens, Dore, Howorth
Official crowd: 4770 at Bennett Oval, Whyalla
