The Western Bulldogs have completed a strong tune-up for the 2021 regular season with a 39-point win over Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series on Monday.

A dominant second half saw the Bulldogs stretch away, after an even first two quarters.

The win came at a cost through, with Laitham Vandermeer (hip) and Aaron Naughton unable to complete the first half, and Hayden Crozier coming from the field late with a shoulder injury.

Dogs’ skipper Marcus Bontempelli collected 32 disposals and kicked three goals in a commanding performance, while ball magnets Jack Macrae (39 possessions), Caleb Daniel (34), Josh Dunkley (32 and 11 tackles) and Tom Liberatore (31) found the ball at will.

Bailey Dale also shone in his new role at half-back, providing pinpoint delivery out of the backline and sneaking forward to kick two goals.

Recent signing Anthony Scott was impressive with two goals and 15 disposals, while it was another tick for the Tim English and Stefan Martin ruck combination.

With the Dogs depleted through injury, rookie Buku Khamis was introduced into the action in the second half and looked composed in defence as Alex Keath was swung forward to counteract the loss of Naughton.

The Bulldogs will take on Collingwood in Round 1 at the MCG on Friday, March 19.

MATCH DETAILS
Western Bulldogs:          2.6          5.8          11.11      15.16 (106)
Melbourne:                     2.2          5.5          6.6          10.7 (67)

GOALS:
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli 3, Lipinski 3, Dale 2, Scott 2, Bruce 2, McNeil, Smith, English
Melbourne: Fritsch 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Sparrow, Chandler, Petracca, Gawn, Jones

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Macrae, Daniel, Lipinski, Dunkley, Liberatore
Melbourne: May, Gawn, Fritsch, Petracca, Langdon

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (corked hip), Naughton (forearm), Crozier (shoulder)
Melbourne: Lockhart (testicle), May (neck/head)

Reports: Nil
Crowd: 7931 at Marvel Stadium