Western Bulldogs resisted a late charge by Hawthorn to get their 2018 AFL campaign off to a winning start in a pre-season encounter in Ballarat on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Bulldogs set up the victory with a five-goal third term – turning an eight-point deficit into a 12-point lead.
Hawthorn dominated the early part of the last term, but with Jarryd Roughead twice hitting the post the Hawks were unable to bridge the gap in front of 4565 spectators at Mars Stadium.
Finals scores: Western Bulldogs 15.10 (100) d Hawthorn 11.12 (78)
Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli gave notice of big things to come as one of the most influential players on the ground.
Hawthorn midfielder Tom Mitchell was again a ball magent with more than 30 disposals.
The Bulldogs’ Liam Picken was stretchered off in the third quarter after being crashed at the bottom of a marking contest, but was able to get on the ground post-match.
Much talked about Bulldogs recruit Josh Schache did not make an appearance until the third quarter, kicking a goal with his first kick as he swtiched between a key forward role and pinch-hitting in the ruck.
Former Port Adelaide player Jarman Impey was lively in his Hawthorn debut, doing his best work in the opening quarter.
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Josh Dunkley 3, Jack Macrae 2, Mitch Honeychurch 2, Bailey Dale 2, Liam Picken, Tom Liberatore, Jackson Trengove, Easton Wood, Josh Schache, Caleb Daniel.
Hawthorn: Ryan Schoemakers 3, Jarryd Roughead 2, Tom Mitchell, Jack Gunston, Oliver Hanranhan, Marc Pittonet, Isaac Smith, Luke Breust
