The Western Bulldogs have had their first taste of external competition in a practice match against Hawthorn on Wednesday morning at VU Whitten Oval.
An opportunity to put their pre-season work to the test, the Bulldogs started strongly before a late Hawks charge, with the visitors running out 12.10 (82) to 15.7 (97) winners.
Missed kicks and inaccuracy in front of goal hurt the Dogs most, who were without the likes of experienced defender Easton Wood, forward target Aaron Naughton, ball-magnet Jack Macrae, and off-season recruits Adam Treloar and Mitch Hannan.
The Dogs’ defensive pressure was impressive early, with repeat efforts and tackling evident across all three lines - as well as an urgency to try to move the ball quickly.
There was plenty to like about the Dogs’ attack, with nine individual scoreboard contributors including Bailey Dale, Josh Bruce and Tim English with two goals each.
New faces Stefan Martin and Lachie McNeil also slotted in seamlessly.
Having Martin play first-ruck meant more forward minutes for English, while Josh Dunkley, Tom Liberatore and Bailey Smith spent plenty of time on-ball.
Liberatore (head cut) was the only injury concern, in what was otherwise a clean bill of health.
The game was one of two practice matches closed to the public on Wednesday, but live-streamed exclusively for members.
A Bulldogs membership is your ticket to the game this season, so show you’re Made of Red, White and Blue by signing up today.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.5 7.7 11.9 12.10 (82)
HAWTHORN 1.1 7.3 10.5 15.7 (97)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Dale 2, Bruce 2, English 2, Hunter, Wallis, Vandermeer, McNeil, Smith, West
Hawthorn: Breust 4, Hanrahan 3, O’Brien 3, Lewis 2, Howe, Cousins, Frost
