The Western Bulldogs have returned to the winners list, holding off a persistent Gold Coast outfit at Metricon Stadium on Saturday evening.

Despite a late charge from the hosts, the Bulldogs were too strong for the battling Suns in the 11.13 (79) to 14.6 (90) affair.

The 11-point triumph takes the Dogs to 5-0 in interstate matches this season.

After conceding the first three goals of the match, the visitors clicked into gear after quarter-time, adding four unanswered goals to take the lead at the main break.  

The two sides wrestled throughout the second half, but it was the Bulldogs’ class that proved the difference in the end.

In just his second game at AFL level, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan impressed with three goals from eight disposals, while captain Marcus Bontempelli led from the front with 36 touches, seven inside 50s and nine clearances.

Bailey Smith (33 disposals, seven inside 50s, nine clearances), Jack Macrae (31, eight clearances) and Caleb Daniel (23, one goal) were impactful in the middle, while Josh Dunkley (21, seven tackles) made a successful return from his shoulder reconstruction.

Alex Keath stood tall in defence with seven marks and 10 intercepts, while Bailey Dale was electric off half-back, registering 30 possessions, five inside 50s and 702 metres gained.

The Bulldogs are fixtured to face Adelaide in Ballarat next weekend.

GOLD COAST                  4.1    6.5    8.7      11.13 (79)
WESTERN BULLDOGS   3.2    8.4    11.5     14.6 (90)

GOALS
Gold Coast: Sexton 3, Ainsworth 3, Holman 3, King 2
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 3, Johannisen 2, Macrae 2, Weightman 2, Bruce, Daniel, English, McNeil, Naughton

BEST  
Gold Coast: Miller, Sharp, Holman, Fiorini, Ainsworth, Collins
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Smith, Daniel, Dale, Macrae, English    

INJURIES  
Gold Coast: Ellis (hamstring)
Western Bulldogs: Nil   

SUBSTITUTES  
Gold Coast: Rory Atkins (replaced Ellis)
Western Bulldogs: Anthony Scott (unused)   

Crowd: 8244 at Metricon Stadium