An understrength Western Bulldogs worked tirelessly but went down by 33 points to the Sydney Swans in a match simulation at Mission Whitten Oval on a sunny Thursday afternoon.

The Dogs were without the six players who featured in last week's State of Origin, providing plenty of opportunity for some younger Dogs to test themselves against AFL-level talent.

There was no shortage of positive signs with Arty Jones, Lachie Jaques, Buku Khamis, Jordan Croft and Louis Emmett all having impressive moments. 

However, the Swans' experience and class ultimately proved the difference, with Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden and new recruit Charlie Curnow all impressive.

Quarter one: 

It was a mixed opening quarter as both sides looked to shake off the cobwebs and work into the game.

The Dogs drew first blood through Croft, before the Swans answered back with two of their own.

With six key players missing from the line-up, the Dogs trialled several players in different positions and gave young players an opportunity against AFL-level talent.

Tom Liberatore played a notable role off the half-back line and had significant impact, while Lachlan Smith had his work cut out for him against Brodie Grundy in the ruck.

Jones was lively around both the contest and in the forward line, with his fast hands proving crucial in surging the ball forward before he also managed to sneak forward to kick the Dogs' second of the game.

Down back, James O'Donnell started well against the dangerous Curnow - while Oskar Baker provided plenty of rebound off the half-back line.

Quarter two: 

It was a more lively start from the Dogs in the second term as they recorded multiple forward entries, keeping the ball in their forward half.

They were, however, unable to make the most of their early opportunities, managing only three behinds to open up the term.

On the other side, the Swans made the most of their limited chances, kicking three unanswered goals to extend their lead to 22 points halfway through the quarter.

Matt Kennedy and Ryley Sanders worked hard around the contest, while Connor Budarick showed some of the dash he was renowned for at the Suns.

The Dogs' only goal came from Jones, who slotted his second from a tight set shot late in the quarter.

Sydney took a 17-point lead into the main break.

Quarter three:

Captain for the day, Bailey Dale, was pulled from the game at half-time after experiencing some knee soreness in the second quarter making way for Lachy Bramble to enter the game for the first time.

Emmett worked hard in the ruck, with his athleticism paying dividends when he found himself in open space in the forward line, able to convert for his first goal in the red, white and blue.

Jones continued to impress with his explosive run around the contest and forward craft leading to his third goal for the day.

With their work cut out for them in the backline, Bailey Williams and Nic Coffield worked tirelessly against a relentess Sydney surge.

The Swans would kick four goals to two to extend their lead to 30 points heading into the final quarter.

Quarter four: 

After an early Swans goal extended their half-time lead, the Dogs were able to get their run going with Matt Kennedy stepping up to kick a goal and set up Williams for another.

Having played in multiple positions across the game, Khamis settled in the backline - taking several intercept marks while also providing run up the ground.

Young Dogs Emmett and Jaques capped off solid performances, while the absence of key midfielders also provided Cooper Hynes with the opportunity to move onto the ball in the last quarter.

SSP hopeful Will Lewis kicked his second from a set shot 40 metres out late on. 

Match Summary:

BULLDOGS 2.1 3.6 5.8 9.12 (66)

SWANS 3.3 6.4 10.8 15.9 (99)

BULLDOGS GOALS: Jones 3, Lewis 2, Croft, Emmett, Kennedy, Williams

BEST: Jones, Kennedy, Jaques, Williams, Liberatore, Khamis