The Bulldogs have lamented missed opportunities in the attacking half of the ground, after controlling big parts of the match against Fremantle on Sunday.

While most key statistical categories were in favour of the Bulldogs, small forward Nathan Hrovat said Fremantle’s pressure around the ball made it difficult for his teammates to move the ball effectively.

“They are a great, great side, you’ve got to remember they played off for a premiership and they are so good defensively,” Hrovat said.

“To be able to test them the other way was really good and that is something we’ve been working on - hopefully we can just continue to develop.”

The Bulldogs finished the game ahead in disposals (414-362), clearances (47-32), inside 50s (67-41), contested possessions (152-139) and broke even in tackles (74-74), indicating the intensity and effort was at the required level.

However, Hrovat said improvements needed to be made when the Bulldogs transition into attack, by putting more thought into moving the ball inside forward 50.  

“In the last quarter we probably needed to move forward with the ball a bit more, not so much sideways and handballs,” he said.

“It’s just little learnings and we will work with that on the track and try to implement it in future games.”

Hrovat contributed one major and a goal assist as well as collecting 18 disposals in his eighth senior AFL game.