THE WESTERN Bulldogs have given their fans hope that last year was an aberration, downing Hawthorn by 22 points in their JLT Community Series clash in Ballarat on Saturday afternoon.
After a see-sawing first half on Saturday, the Dogs broke away in the third quarter to prevail 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78) in front of 4565 fans at Mars Stadium.
Looking to bounce back after missing the finals last season for the first time since 2009, the Hawks led by 10 points at half-time but could only manage three goals in the second half.
The Dogs piled on five goals in the third term but lost veteran forward Liam Picken to concussion late in the quarter.
Picken was stretchered off after being knocked out in a collision with teammate Josh Dunkley.
"He doesn't know any other way, Picko. He's just full on and wants to make a contest," stand-in coach Daniel Giansiracusa said.
"We'll assess him throughout the week so, hopefully, he's all okay but at least he was up and about after it."
It was otherwise smooth sailing for the 2016 premiers, who had plenty to prove after limping to a 10th-placed finish last season.
Key forward Josh Schache sat out the first half but didn't take long to make an impact, linking up with Jason Johannisen to boot his first goal in Bulldogs colours early in the third term.
Tough midfielder Tom Liberatore, who struggled to keep his spot in the side last season, was solid with 18 disposals and a goal.
Both sides fielded near full-strength teams for their first trial match of the off-season, with Cyril Rioli, Grant Birchall and James Frawley among the notable omissions for Hawthorn.
The Hawks had the better of a first half in which the lead changed hands a dozen times.
Former Port Adelaide recruit Jarman Impey displayed his blistering speed in an impressive first quarter, finishing the match with 15 disposals and six inside-50s.
Fringe key forward Ryan Schoenmakers slotted three goals while Tom Mitchell (30 disposals, 10 clearances) was typically prolific at the coalface.
Jaeger O'Meara finished with 16 touches but showed plenty of class and didn't appear to be restricted by the knee issues that kept him to just six games last season.
And Hawks fans would have relished seeing the blistering speed on display from Port Adelaide recruit Jarman Impey.
"He's going to be pretty electric for us," coach Alastair Clarkson said.
"He'll provide a pretty potent forward line when Cyril returns with (Paul Puopolo) and Lukey Breust."
WHAT WE LEARNED
Western Bulldogs: The Dogs' stars can fix their forward issues. Last year the 2016 premiers struggled going inside 50 with their efficiency and weren't much better with their conversion. Against the Hawks they used superstar midfielder Marcus Bontempelli predominantly forward in the first half and he dominated, with Jack Macrae andJason Johannisen also dangerous while roaming around inside 50. That sort of quality certainly made the forward structure far more potent.
Hawthorn: The Hawks' small forwards will give opposition defenders nightmares this year. The tackling pressure of Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and Luke Breust is already well known, and the addition of former Port Adelaide speedster Jarman Impey has given the side even more spice at ground level. Backmen beware.
NEW FACES
Western Bulldogs: The Dogs gave their top draft pick a good taste of senior footy with Aaron Naughton starting deep in defence. The West Australian rotated on a number of opponents including Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead and Ryan Schoenmakers and look composed with the footy. Hayden Crozier was solid in defence with his sure ball handling, while Jackson Trengove was a strong presence both in the ruck and as a key forward. Josh Schache only played the second half, but did some handy work in the ruck and kicked a goal.
Hawthorn: Former Port speedster Jarman Impey started well inside 50 but went missing during the middle stages of the match, before adding some more impact in the final term. Mature age draftee David Mirra finally got a run in the last term. The 26-year-old didn't have a big influence but used the ball neatly in the back half.
NEXT UP
The Bulldogs return to country Victoria for the second week running to take on Collingwood in Moe on Saturday afternoon, while the Hawks head to Launceston to host Carlton later that night.
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, Honeychurch 2, Macrae 2, Dale 2, Daniel, Wood, Trengove, Schache, Picken, Liberatore
Hawthorn: Schoenmakers 3, Roughead 2, Gunston, Pittonet, Breust, Hanrahan, Smith, Mitchell
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Bontempelli, Dunkley, Macrae, Williams, Crozier, Biggs, Liberatore
Hawthorn: Sicily, Mitchell, Smith, O'Meara, Bruest, Shiels
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Liam Picken (head knock)
Hawthorn: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, Findlay, Rosebury, Donlon
Official crowd: 4565 at Mars Stadium
