The Western Bulldogs’ first competitive AFL hitout for 2018 has ended successfully, with a 22-point win over Hawthorn in the JLT Community Series in Ballarat.

In front of 4565 fans at Mars Stadium, a near-full strength Bulldogs outfit outscored the Hawks eight goals to three after half time.

There were plenty of positives to come from the victory for the Dogs, with forward Josh Dunkley impressing with three goals from 17 disposals (including seven tackles).

Former Docker Hayden Crozier was influential in defence with 20 possessions, new draftee Aaron Naughton showed poise and class, and half-backs Shane Biggs (28 disposals) and Bailey Williams (24) provided plenty of drive.

Lin Jong emerged unscathed in his first competitive match since his knee reconstruction, Josh Schache kicked his first goal in Bulldogs colours and Jackson Trengove adapted well to his forward/ruck role and was a strong presence, kicking a goal from his 12 disposals.

Marcus Bontempelli was industrious in the midfield, registering 25 disposals (10 contested), while Jack Macrae set the tone for the day with 11 first quarter possessions and two goals.

The only sour point was a concussion suffered by Liam Picken during the third quarter.

The Bulldogs will look to swing Easton Wood forward in 2018, with the Club captain joining Jason Johannisen in a new-look attack.

The Bulldogs will take on Collingwood in Moe in their second JLT Community Series match next Saturday, March 10. 

Match details

Western Bulldogs             6.0          7.3          12.8        15.10.100
Hawthorn                            5.2          8.5          10.8        11.12.78 

Goals

Western Bulldogs: Dunkley 3, Macrae 2, Honeychurch 2, Dale 2, Daniel, Wood, Trengove, Schache, Picken, Liberatore
Hawthorn: Schoenmakers 3, Roughead 2, Breust, Gunston, Pittonet, Hanrahan, Smith, Mitchell

Best

Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Dunkley, Macrae, Williams, Crozier, Biggs, Liberatore
Hawthorn: Sicily, Mitchell, Smith, O’Meara, Breust, Shiels