The Western Bulldogs have suffered a 45-point loss to Melbourne in round one of the 2024 AFL season.

The Dogs started strong through their three talls in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Rory Lobb, but the hosts found another level late in the game, storming home 16.13 (109) to 9.10 (64). 

Fielding three club debutants and two AFL debutants, the new-look Bulldogs were competitive for three quarters, but just couldn't stop the Dees’ run in the final term.

Tom Liberatore was impressive in defeat, recording 32 disposals, nine clearances and seven inside 50s, as was Adam Treloar (31 disposals, four marks, four clearances), Jason Johannisen (26 disposals, eight marks) and Marcus Bontempelli (25 disposals, four tackles, six clearances, one goal).

Liam Jones and Ed Richards were also solid in defence, while Ugle-Hagan finished with a pair of goals. 

Caleb Daniel was activated as the tactical sub just before the end of the third quarter, replacing first-gamer Ryley Sanders.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back next week when they host the Gold Coast Suns at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.

MELBOURNE                  4.4    8.5   10.8    16.13 (109) 
WESTERN BULLDOGS    4.3     6.5    7.7     9.10  (64) 

GOALS 
Melbourne: Chandler 3, Van Rooyen 3, Brown 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Pickett 2, Viney, Petracca, Billings, Salem 
Western Bulldogs: Ugle-Hagan 2, Naughton, Lobb, Gallagher, Bontempelli, Weightman, Bramble, West 

BEST 
Melbourne: Gawn, Oliver, Petracca, May, Billings 
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Liberatore, Treloar, English, Johannisen 

INJURIES 
Melbourne: None 
Western Bulldogs: None 

SUBSTITUTES 
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin (replaced Caleb Windsor in the fourth quarter) 
Western Bulldogs: Caleb Daniel (replaced Ryley Sanders in the third quarter)