Fremantle prevailed in a hard-fought battle against a gallant Western Bulldogs side at Optus Stadium on Friday night.

The Dockers continued their undefeated run at home this season, kicking seven goals to one in the second half to win 11.12 (78) to 5.11 (41).

The Bulldogs did not make it easy, travelling to Perth with a clear plan and flooding numbers back from the opening quarter to turn the contest into a war of attrition, with the tactic working in the opening half.

As they have done all season, however, the Dockers made the adjustments they needed and went on a six-goal run in the second half, gradually wrenching the game open to celebrate their 11th win at home this season.

Beaten at stoppages (37-29) and contested ball (128-108) by the hungry Dogs, the Dockers had to be patient with the ball and pick their way through heavy traffic, racking up 126 marks to the visitors' 74.

Their patience paid off, however, with Beveridge's team unable to sustain the gruelling defensive style for a full four quarters against the competition's best team, with the Dockers eventually breaking them with weight of inside 50s (54-38).

Midfielders Ed Richards (26 and nine clearances) and Tom Liberatore (28 and six) fought hard at the coalface for the Bulldogs, while Buku Khamis held the backline together. Wingman Cooper Hynes booted two goals and impressed with 22 disposals in a highly defensive role.   

FREMANTLE                  1.3   4.5   6.10   11.12  (78)
WESTERN BULLDOGS   1.2   4.5   4.8   5.11   (41)

GOALS

Fremantle: Treacy 3, Serong 2, Jackson 2, Bolton, Dudley, Johnson, Voss

Western Bulldogs: Hynes 2, Lobb, Sanders, West

BEST

Fremantle: Treacy, McDonald, Serong, Worner, Erasmus, Jackson

Western Bulldogs: Richards, Liberatore, Hynes, Khamis, Freijah

INJURIES

Fremantle: Nil

Western Bulldogs: Nil

Crowd: 53,524 at Optus Stadium