A battling performance from the Western Bulldogs wasn’t enough to get the better of Brisbane, who moved back into the top-eight with a 25-point win at Mission Whitten Oval.

The Bulldogs applied solid pressure around the contest throughout, led by Elaine Grigg (13 disposals and six tackles) and Rylie Wilcox, who was influential on the wing with 19 disposals.

But the Lions led at every change, extending their lead each quarter to win 6.11 (47) to 3.4 (22) in front of a crowd of 1,521.

Lions forwards Taylor Smith and Neasa Dooley kicked two goals each, whilst small forward Courtney Hodder was ruthless with her defensive pressure, laying a game-high 11 tackles.

Former Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn spent the first half of the match up forward before coach Tam Hyett shifted the magnets and put the ball-winner in the middle, but the three-time All-Australian was unable to provide the necessary spark. 

Former No.1 draft pick Kristy-Lee Western-Turner was brought back in the side for her first game of the season and had some nice moments, particularly a goal assist to Ellie Gavalas which led to a Bulldogs goal.

Former Giant and Hawk Louise Stephenson was solid for the Dogs, providing a target up forward and kicking two goals.

However, it was the Lions' spread of talent that overpowered the Bulldogs in the end, their skill and class rising above the Dogs who tried hard and competed until the end.

Up next

The Western Bulldogs return to Mission Whitten Oval next Friday night to play Collingwood at 7:15pm.

WESTERN BULLDOGS     0.2   1.2   2.3    3.4 (22)

BRISBANE                        1.2   3.6   4.9    6.11 (47)

GOALS

Western Bulldogs: Stephenson 2, Gavalas
Brisbane: Smith 2, Dooley 2, Davidson, Conway

BEST

Western Bulldogs: Wilcox, Grigg, Stephenson, Pritchard, Gutknecht
Brisbane: Anderson, Dawes, Smith, Hodder, Ellenger

INJURIES

Western Bulldogs: Nil
Brisbane: Charlotte Mullins (concussion)

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 1,521 at Whitten Oval