The Western Bulldogs have fallen 12 points short to Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

The Dogs did all they could in the early stages of the game and looked like pulling off a win with a number of star players sitting in the stands, but it was the Dockers' determination that left its stamp on the contest as they lay their flag credentials out for all to see in the 17.12 (114) to 15.12 (102) result.

The first quarter belonged to the Bulldogs as they opened a sizeable gap made all the more inspirational by a pair of goals from contested marks by Aaron Naughton, something that looked unlikely when the key forward landed awkwardly on his head last week.

A stirring quarter-time address from Justin Longmuir saw Freo lift a level in the second, but it was still a 19-point difference at half-time.

However, it was late in the third term that the Dockers truly clicked, kicking seven unanswered goals either side of three-quarter time to take the lead and open up a 28-point break of their own.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

  • 02:25
    Exclusive
    Exclusive

    Coaches' Brief | Round 8

    We spoke to Brendon Lade following our Round 8 loss to Fremantle.

    AFL
    Video
  • 02:09

    Rhylee West | "We'll take plenty from it"

    Rhylee West reflects on the 12-point loss to Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:39

    AFL R8 | Brilliant Bont gets Dogs barking

    Marcus Bontempelli launches a super goal from distance as the Western Bulldogs keep on coming

    AFL
  • 00:45

    AFL R8 | Vandermeer and West with clinical finishes

    Rhylee West brings the fend before Laitham Vandermeer caps off a swift chain as Justin Longmuir fumes in the coaches box

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:56

    AFL R8 | Inspiring Naughton back with a bang

    Aaron Naughton bounces back from last week's horror incident with two first-term contested marks and majors

    AFL
    Video
  • 00:51

    AFL R8 | Rapid Richards snap gives Bulldogs first bite

    Ed Richards kicks a superb goal within seconds of the opening bounce after a great handball chain

    AFL
    Video
  • 01:27

    Lachlan Bramble | "Really enjoying my time here"

    Lachlan Bramble speaks on putting pen to paper for two more years and his leadership role within the team

    AFL
    Video
  • 13:23

    Luke Beveridge | "This is an opportunity to build resilience"

    Head Coach Luke Beveridge speaks to the press ahead of our Round 8 game against Fremantle.

    AFL
    Video

An inspirational performance from Marcus Bontempelli (33 disposals, two goals) threatened to drag the Dogs back over the line, despite being clearly hampered, but the Dockers stood strong.

Despite carrying a heavily strapped right knee and spending five minutes having that taping re-done in the first quarter, Bontempelli already had 15 disposals and 297 metres gained to the first break. His capacity to spread away from the contest unmarked was a must-fix for Fremantle, but he still spent much of the game allowed to do as he pleased.

Another who entered the game under an injury cloud, Aaron Naughton (two goals, four marks) flew for the footy as if he didn’t hush the stadium last week with an ugly fall.

Rhylee West, Will Lewis and Lachie McNeil all finished with two goals apiece.

The Bulldogs will look to bounce back against Port Adelaide next Friday night at Adelaide Oval.

WESTERN BULLDOGS  6.3   9.6   11.9   15.12 (102)
FREMANTLE                 2.1   7.4   12.7   17.11 (113)

GOALS   
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 2, West 2, Lewis 2, Bontempelli 2, McNeil 2, Richards, Vandermeer, Sanders, Jones, Bramble,  
Fremantle: Switkowski 3, Young 3, Treacy 3, Jackson, Dudley, Frederick, Erasmus, Reid, Chapman, Brayshaw, Bolton 

BEST   
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Richards, Naughton, West, Dale 
Fremantle: Young, Jackson, Switkowski, Reid, Clark, Bolton 

INJURIES   
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (right hamstring),  
Fremantle: Nil 

Crowd: 23,071 at Marvel Stadium