THE WESTERN Bulldogs made an attacking statement in their final hitout before the season proper, making light work of Hawthorn at their home of Mission Whitten Oval on Friday evening.

A seven-goal second quarter set up the 18.9 (117) to 11.7 (73) victory as the sun set in Footscray, in a performance that will no doubt give the Dogs confidence heading north to face reigning premier Brisbane in next week's Opening Round.

After noting their own defensive deficiencies around the contest last year, the Bulldogs were simply oppressive in tight. Efforts to close space, tackle, and smother were manic from the home side, led well – unsurprisingly – by veterans Tom Liberatore and Matt Kennedy.

It meant that the Hawks' attempts to move the ball forward, even when the contest was won, often ended up impeded by defenders Buku Khamis, Rory Lobb, or a defensively placed Tim English.

Khamis' leap at the footy across the defensive half of the ground delighted the heaving crowd, with the fringe tall patrolling the backline with maturity and poise, proving his readiness to become a regular fixture in the side.

Connection between lines proved a concern for Hawthorn throughout the match, with long patches where it struggled to exit the back half, and others with repeat forward entries picked off. It led to some real indecision deep in defence, which allowed the Dogs' defence to remain well-structured behind the ball.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

  • 03:33

    Jarryn Geary | Post Match (AAMI Community Series)

    Watch Western Bulldogs' press conference after their AAMI Community Series match against Hawthorn

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    Video
  • 07:35

    AAMI Community Series | Match Highlights

    The Bulldogs and Hawks clash in the AAMI Community Series

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  • 00:42

    AAMI Community Series | Sanders forced off after nasty falcon

    Ryley Sanders heads off for assessment after a brutal close-range footy catches him flush in the face

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  • 00:29

    AAMI Community Series | English class in session

    Tim English continues to run rings around the Hawthorn ruck brigade, slotting two goals in the third term to stretch his influence even further

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    Video
  • 00:48

    AAMI Community Series | ‘Look at the pace’: Arty only needs a second

    Arthur Jones nails his third goal of the game with a sizzling gather and snap

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  • 01:03

    AAMI Community Series | Dogs show off party tricks

    Tom Liberatore applies the finishes touches on a stylish bit of play during the third term

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  • 01:00

    AAMI Community Series | Davidson delivers Dogs' bright start

    Sam Davidson snaps truly from a standing start to open proceedings at Mission Whitten Oval

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The Bulldogs were simply dynamic ahead of the ball, as Aaron Naughton was flanked by young pair Jordan Croft and Sam Davidson in Sam Darcy's absence with general soreness. Smalls Rhylee West and Oskar Baker stayed busy, while Arty Jones worked into the game beautifully to finish with three goals.

English seems primed for a strong season in the ruck after dispensing with Hawks counterpart Lloyd Meek, and also kicking two goals, finding rule adjustments in the ruck little concern.

Meanwhile captain Marcus Bontempelli shook off some nervous early kicks at goal to have a significant impact around the contest, and in the Dogs' transition into attack.

New faces
Young Bulldog Lachie Jaques found his feet in defence, taking some kick ins and demanding the footy on transition, while young ruck Louis Emmett offered support to English throughout the match. Former Sun Connor Budarick has found his home across half back for the Dogs, often taking charge of Nick Watson.

Round one chance
Dogs defender Michael Sellwood seems primed for an early opportunity in defence, selected ahead of former pick No.13 Jedd Busslinger – who appeared in the earlier VFL practice match. Jordan Croft did his chances of cementing his place in the best team no harm once more, moving well in tandem with Naughton and Davidson as talls inside 50, and should maintain his place even when Sam Darcy returns to the team.

Medical room
After an impressive opening three quarters, Bulldogs youngster Ryley Sanders copped a ball to the face and was ruled out with concussion, meaning he will not play in the Dogs' Opening Round game. Croft spent some time after the main break getting his hips/quads attended to but also finished the match without any issues.

Fantasy watch
A day after Sydney's Brodie Grundy starred to ease worries over the rucks, Tim English (RUC, $1,162,000) did likewise in a dominant performance for the Bulldogs. English had 23 disposals, 28 hitouts and kicked two goals for his 131. Connor Macdonald (FWD, $714,000) started at the first centre bounce and split his time between the midfield and forward line, scoring 86. Dogs recruit Connor Budarick (FWD, $506,000) caught the eye with a tidy performance across half-back for his 81, while popular rookie Lachie Jaques (DEF, $230,000) grew into the game to score 63. Dogs small forward Arthur Jones (MID/FWD, $327,000) was lively, kicking three goals to score 58 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS    5.3   12.4   16.5   18.9 (117)
HAWTHORN                  4.0    6.2    9.4     11.7 (73)

GOALS 
Western Bulldogs: Croft 3, Jones 3, Sanders 2, Liberatore 2, English 2, Baker 2, Naughton 2, Davidson, Freijah
Hawthorn: Gunston 3, Butler 2, Watson 2, Ginnivan, Lewis, C.Macdonald, Mackenzie

BEST
Western Bulldogs: English, Sanders, Khamis, Bontempelli, Liberatore, Naughton
Hawthorn: Newcombe, Gunston, C.Macdonald, Impey, Ward

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Sanders (concussion)
Hawthorn: Mackenzie (head knock)