Western Bulldogs defender-turned-forward Sarah Hartwig says it was good to put the team’s preseason work to the test against opposition on Saturday.

The AFLW Bulldogs overcame a sluggish start to register a five-point win over Hawthorn in Frankston.

Hartwig said it was great to get a hit-out against opposition under their belts.

“It was pretty fun – we kicked the (final few) goals in the last five minutes or so which was pretty exciting. I’m just glad we held on in the end,” Hartwig said post-match.

“It was definitely a change of pace. I really enjoyed seeing everyone work together, instead of against each other at training.

“It’s definitely a lot tougher too – you’re going a lot harder against people who aren’t your friends, so I’m a bit sore but feeling fine.

“It was just really fun.”

Hartwig - who finished with two goals including the sealer – said the team will look to get off to a better start against North Melbourne in another practice match this Saturday.

“It was good that we kept our heads in the game the whole time, rather than fading off in the last minutes,” she said.

“We took a long time to turn on, but then we got there.

“We’d obviously prefer to go head on from the start, but as long as we can hold out the whole game I think we’ll look good.”

The Bulldogs will host the Roos at Arden Street Oval in a practice match from 12.05pm on Saturday, with the hit-out to be live-streamed via the Club’s website.