It was a tough day at the office for the Western Bulldogs, falling by 55-points to Hawthorn at Box Hill City Oval on Sunday afternoon.
In cold and cloudy conditions, the Hawks made the most of their home ground advantage to run out as victors 11.13 (79) to 4.0 (24).
Nicole McMahon was again dominant in the ruck this week for the Bulldogs, giving the midfielders first use, while also showing her strength in the air, taking a number of intercept marks.
After Bailey Hunt kicked the first goal of the game for the Bulldogs, Hawthorn replied with four majors of their own to stretch out to a 24-point lead at quarter time.
Hawthorn added another two goals in the second quarter, before Sarah Jolly added the Bulldogs' second major of the game just before half time to keep the margin at 34-points.
Despite an improved defensive effort in the second half from the Bulldogs, the fast paced attack of the Hawks still managed to kick five goals to two in the second half to run away with the win.
Bonnie Toogood made her VFLW debut and showed her defensive grit, impacting the contest with a strong intercept mark to start another Hawthorn forward foray in the third term.
Along with Jolly and Hunt, Tayla Dinuccio and Kristen Mcleod were the other goal scorers for the Bulldogs.
The sixth-placed Bulldogs next Saturday afternoon host the tenth placed Melbourne University at Victoria University Whitten Oval, with the first bounce at 2:00pm.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 1.0 2.0 2.0 4.0 (24)
HAWTHORN 4.6 6.10 9.12 11.13 (79)
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Goal Kickers: B. Hunt, T. Dinuccio, S. Jolly, K. McLeod
Best Players: D. Berry , A. Guest, C. O''Brien, N. McMahon, B. Hunt, T. Ernst
HAWTHORN
Goal Kickers: S. Perkins 3, P. McWilliams 2, E. Gilder 2, R. Dillon 2, T. Luke, R. Beeson
Best Players: E. Nixon, S. Perkins, J. Crockett-Grills, O. Flanagan, T. Luke, E. Woods
