THE SUPERIOR skills of the Western Bulldogs allowed them to hold off a dogged but wayward Hawthorn for a 16.14 (110) to 13.15 (93) win at the MCG today.
The Bulldogs led by 30 points at the last change, with the Hawks kicking the only three goals of the final term to briefly give themselves hope of a comeback victory.
Veteran midfielder Scott West starred with 41 disposals for the Bulldogs, while Robert Murphy and Shaun Higgins kicked three goals each.
Key forward Lance Franklin booted six goals for the Hawks, but he had too much work to do, with Hawthorn clearly missing the polish of the injured Mark Williams.
The Hawks had the better of the match in general play in the first half and had more scoring shots, but still trailed by 17 points at the long break, due to some poor kicking for goal.
Forwards Tim Boyle, Jarryd Roughead and Ben Dixon all got their hands on the ball often enough early, but all missed set shots they should have snaffled.
Franklin also missed a simple set shot after being handed a free kick 20m out, but he could be let off, as he finished the game with 6.1, including several superb goals.
Murphy and classy youngster Higgins kicked three goals each without a miss in the first half, while classy half-back Lindsay Gilbee fired in a long running goal to end the half and make the Hawks pay for their wastefulness.
The Dogs worked their way on top in the midfield after halftime, with West's constant ball-winning helping his side wear down Hawthorn, while Daniel Cross provided good assistance in the midfield packs.
The Bulldogs piled on four goals in succession during the middle stage of the third term to build their lead to 36 points, the highlight a brilliant left-foot goal by young running player Farren Ray.
It looked at that stage like the game was over as a contest, but Franklin kicked the final goal of the third quarter to cut the margin at the last change to 30 points.
And with Franklin still dangerous in attack in the final term and defender Campbell Brown providing a spark after being moved forward, the Hawks continued to press in the last term.
Jordan Lewis was good in the packs for the Hawks, running player Rick Ladson was a solid contributor in his first game back from injury, while tagger Brad Sewell added Adam Cooney to his growing list of big-name scalps.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 5.2 11.4 16.7 16.14 (110)
HAWTHORN 3.7 7.11 10.13 13.15 (93)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: R Murphy 3 S Higgins 3 L Darcy 2 F Ray 2 B Johnson L Gilbee N Eagleton S Power A Cooney M Robbins.
Hawthorn: L Franklin 6 J Roughead 2 C Bateman B Sewell L Hodge T Boyle C Brown.
BEST
Western Bulldogs: S West B Harris D Cross L Gilbee S Higgins J Akermanis.
Hawthorn: L Franklin J Lewis B Sewell C Brown R Ladson S Crawford.
Umpires: R Chamberlain M Avon K Nicholls.
Official crowd: 31,982 at the MCG.
