Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore look dejected after the Western Bulldogs' loss to Port Adelaide in round 13, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

WESTERN Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has avoided suspension after a collision with Port Adelaide's Dan Houston on Friday night.

Bontempelli caught Houston high during the second quarter of the Bulldogs' 22-point loss to the Power at Marvel Stadium.

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Most of the contact appeared to be to Houston's shoulder and no charge was laid against the star midfielder, who is in Brownlow Medal contention, by the Match Review Officer.

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Bontempelli collides with Houston as contest heats up

Marcus Bontempelli and Dan Houston come together after attacking the footy

"In real time I thought they both just went for the ball, I haven't seen a replay so I've got no real comment," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said after the game. 

"I'm a big believer that when we're looking at it, and even when we're looking to evolve, is to really focus on if there's any intent to actually hurt a player and it probably should be the civil test, on the balance of probabilities … because there's accidents in sport."

The Bulldogs are 7-6 and have lost three straight ahead of taking on North Melbourne in round 14.