The Western Bulldogs have suffered their first loss of the AFLW season, by seven points against the Adelaide Crows at Norwood Oval.

In a pressure-packed, high intensity contest which could have gone either way, it was the returning Erin Phillips who was the difference, booting four goals for the home side.

Scores were level for more than five minutes during a frantic final term, and while the Bulldogs had their chances, the Crows finished with the final two scoring shots, including a goal after the siren, to score their first win of the season.

The Bulldogs led for most of the contest and controlled much of the play, winning nine more inside 50s and twice skipping out to a two-goal lead.

Despite the loss, there were plenty of positives for the Bulldogs, who saw continued rapid improvement of first year players Monique Conti (15 disposals) and Ash Utri (11 possessions and a goal).

Emma Kearney (20 disposals and a goal) and Ellie Blackburn (17 disposals) were industrious as ever in the midfield, Brooke Lochland was a constant threat across the forward line, and Hannah Scott was composed and physical in defence.

Bulldogs skipper Katie Brennan booted two goals from nine touches, before hobbling off in the final minutes.

Next up for the Bulldogs is a crucial Round 4 clash against Carlton in the AFLW Pride Game, on Friday February 23 at VU Whitten Oval.

ADELAIDE CROWS             1.1          2.2          4.4          6.5 (41)
WESTERN BULLDOGS       2.1          3.1          5.3          5.4 (34)

GOALS

Brisbane: Phillips 4, McCormick 2
Western Bulldogs: Brennan 2, Kearney, Utri, Lochland

BEST 

Adelaide:  Phillips, Randall, Marinoff, Perkins, S Allan, Metcalfe
Western Bulldogs: Kearney, Blackburn, Lochland, Conti, Utri, Brennan