The Western Bulldogs’ 2020 finals chances are all but over after a 32-point loss to Collingwood in Morwell on Sunday.

After winning their first match of the season, the inexperienced Bulldogs have lost their past four, and are three games and significant percentage outside the finals race in Conference B with three games remaining.

The Dogs were forced to play catch-up against the in-form Magpies, who booted the first four goals of the game and led by 24 points at half time.

The Bulldogs were goalless to that stage, but stepped up in the second half and stayed in the contest, until Collingwood kicked the last two goals of the match to secure victory.

Collingwood’s Chloe Molloy (three goals) was difficult to contain, as was Brianna Davey (30 disposals and 10 tackles).

The Bulldogs’ midfield duo of Ellie Blackburn (17 possessions) and Kirsty Lamb (15 touches) battled hard, Bailey Hunt took a game-high eight marks to go with 15 disposals, and Kirsten McLeod booted two goals.

Defender Ellyse Gamble was a late withdrawal with quad soreness, and was replaced in the team by Ashleigh Guest.

The Bulldogs return to VU Whitten Oval next Sunday to play host to the Fremantle Dockers in Round 6. 

COLLINGWOOD          3.0       4.2       6.3       8.5 (53)           
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.1       0.2       2.3       3.3 (21) 

GOALS

Collingwood: Molloy 3, Alexander 2, Rowe 2, Membrey
Western Bulldogs: McLeod 2, Lamb 

BEST 

Collingwood: Davey, Lambert, Molloy, Rowe, Bonnici, D'Arcy, Layton
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, Lamb, Hunt, McLeod, Huntington, Lochland