THREE goals from Barry Hall and a promising display by recruit Tom Liberatore helped the Western Bulldogs to a 70-point win over the Brisbane Lions at Visy Park on Saturday afternoon.

As the temperature climbed into the high 20s, the Bulldogs kicked 20.8 (128) to the Lions 8.10 (58) in their NAB Challenge clash.

The Bulldogs dominated a Lions side missing Jonathan Brown, Luke Power, Simon Black and Josh Drummond.

Liberatore, the son of 1990 Brownlow medalist Tony, showed plenty of spark in the midfield, reading the play well and delivering it to teammates cleanly.

He was supported by Daniel Cross, who starred in the engine room, as well as Nathan Djerrkura and Patrick Veszpremi, who showed why the Bulldogs traded for them at the end of last year with some dangerous work in the front half.

Lucas Markovic also played well and could be in line for senior selection in the early rounds.

Shaun Higgins had plenty of presence in attack for the Bulldogs and in the middle while a noticeably bulkier Callan Ward used his body to great effect, brushing off the raw Lion cubs.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade was not getting carried away with the one-sided result.

"Overall there were some pleasing signs. There are still some things we've got to work on considering they were a bit weakened with players out," he said after the match.

"Obviously it was hot today. Our players were a bit fatigued in the end and I imagine they were as well."

Western Bulldogs    4.3    10.5    16.7    20.8 (128)
Brisbane Lions    2.2    4.5    5.7    8.10 (58)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Hall 3, Higgins 2, Giansiracusa 2, Ward 2, Jones 2, Veszpremi 2, Moles 2, Griffen, Liberatore, Minson, Howard, Djerrkura
Brisbane Lions: McGrath 2, Clark 2, Banfield, Lester, Retzlaff, Rockliff

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Williams, Cross, Liberatore, Markovic, Higgins, Giansiracusa
Brisbane Lions: Rich, Banfield, Lester, McGrath, Retzlaff

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Nil
Brisbane Lions: Nil

Reports: Nil

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs