A third quarter lapse has cost the Western Bulldogs victory against ladder leader Port Adelaide in a spirited contest at Adelaide Oval on Monday night. 

The Bulldogs were the superior team for three of the four quarters, but conceded four-straight goals in the third term, which ultimately proved to the be the difference in a 13-point loss.

The Dogs were left to lament a dominant first half which yielded just three goals from 25 inside 50s, which came off the back of a strong midfield performance.

But the Power lifted in the premiership quarter, taking the lead and stretching out to a 23-point advantage. 

From there, it was always going to be difficult for the Bulldogs to claw their way back away from home.

The Dogs fought out the game admirably with eight scoring shots to three in the last stanza, and had their chances to snatch victory, but eventually ran out of time.

Tom Liberatore was outstanding in a losing cause, ending with 25 disposals, 20 of which were contested – the most of any player in a single match this season.  He also had seven tackles and four clearances.

Jack Macrae led all comers for possessions with 28, while skipper Marcus Bontempelli had a game-high eight clearances to go with his 22 touches.

The loss leaves the Bulldogs with a 5-5 record, ahead of a five-day break and a test against another top four opponent, the Brisbane Lions, at the Gabba this Saturday night.

PORT ADELAIDE              1.2       3.2      7.5       8.7     (55)
WESTERN BULLDOGS    2.5       3.5       3.6       5.12.  (42)

 
GOALS?
Port Adelaide: Dixon 2, Gray 2, Farrell, Ladhams, Powell-Pepper, Wines
Western Bulldogs: Lloyd 2, McLean 2, Weightman

BEST?
Port Adelaide: Butters, Wines, Ladhams, Rockliff, Gray, Amon
Western Bulldogs: Liberatore, Macrae, Smith, Wallis, Bontempelli, Dunkley 

INJURIES?
Port Adelaide: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil