The Western Bulldogs are on the board in 2023, after a gritty 14-point win over Brisbane on Thursday night at Marvel Stadium. 

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan played a starring role in the victory, slotting an equal-career high five goals in the 10.7 (67) to 7.11 (53) result. 

Ugle-Hagan's first major of the night was one to remember - celebrating by lifting his guernsey Nicky-Winmar style in a moving moment. 

Despite the low-scoring start which saw just one goal apiece, the Bulldogs' intensity was second-to-none.

They continued to bring the heat in the second, and while some slick ball movement helped control the term, the Dogs weren't able to capitalise as much as they would've liked on the scoreboard. 

Taking a narrow eight-point lead into the main break, the third quarter was more of a shoot-out, followed by a nail-biting final 30 minutes. 

But while the Lions stayed close all night and wouldn't allow the Dogs too much of a buffer, the hosts were relentless in the fight.

Bailey Williams slotted one late in the piece to give his side some breathing room, before Ugle-Hagan sailed his fifth goal through after the siren. 

Skipper Marcus Bontempelli was prolific, registering 28 disposals, six tackles and seven clearances, while vice-captain Jack Macrae notched up 30 in his 100th consecutive match.

Tom Liberatore finished with 29 touches, nine tackles and six marks, while Adam Treloar led the clearances with nine. 

Rory Lobb kicked two goals before being replaced by sub Robbie McComb, while Oskar Baker and Aaron Naughton added one each.

The Dogs' defence held up well too, with Ed Richards (25 disposals, six marks, eight rebounds), Alex Keath (21 disposals, 11 intercepts), and Bailey Dale (30 disposals, five marks) playing their roles. 

The Bulldogs will next face Richmond at the MCG on Saturday 8 April.

WESTERN BULLDOGS     1.2     4.3     8.4     10.7 (67)
BRISBANE                         1.3     2.7     6.8     7.11 (53)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 5, Lobb 2, Baker, Naughton, Williams
Brisbane: Gunston 3, Neale, Cameron, Rayner, Hipwood

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Treloar, Ugle-Hagan, Macrae, English, Daniel
Brisbane: Neale, Ashcroft, Starcevich, Dunkley, Gunston, Andrews

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Bruce (hand)
Brisbane: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Robbie McComb (replaced Rory Lobb in the fourth quarter)
Brisbane: Noah Answerth (replaced Darcy Fort in the third quarter)

Crowd: 23,665 at Marvel Stadium