The Western Bulldogs are on the board for season 2022, recording an 11-point win over Sydney at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs led from start to finish in the 9.17 (71) to 9.6 (60) affair, with skipper Marcus Bontempelli sealing the win after a late surge from the visitors.
The hosts started strong and controlled majority of the first half, keeping the Swans scoreless in the second quarter despite only managing to add 1.7 themselves.
Inaccuracy continued to plague the Dogs throughout the third, and could have proved costly as Sydney started to find their feet.
But the buffer was ultimately enough, helping the Bulldogs register a much-needed win as they kick-started their 2022 campaign.
Star midfielder Josh Dunkley was prolific with 30 disposals, 11 tackles and six clearances, alongside Lachie Hunter (28 touches, seven marks) and returning Bailey Smith (31 touches, five marks, 731m gained).
Cody Weightman finished with three goals in an impactful performance up forward, while ruck Tim English contributed with 24 disposals, eight marks, eight clearances and 28 hit-outs.
The only sour note was losing versatile tall Zaine Cordy to concussion, with Mitch Wallis activated as the medical sub after quarter-time.
The Bulldogs will enjoy a nine-day break before meeting Richmond at the MCG next Saturday night.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 4.10 6.15 9.17 (71)
SYDNEY 1.3 1.3 5.3 9.6 (60)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Weightman 3, Bontempelli, Keath, Naughton, Ugle-Hagan, Vandermeer, Wallis
Sydney: Franklin 2, Hayward 2, Heeney, McLean, Ronke, Wicks
BEST
Western Bulldogs: English, Weightman, Smith, Dunkley, Dale, Treloar
Sydney: Blakey, Lloyd, Mills, Parker, Franklin
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Cordy (concussion)
Sydney: Hickey (knee)
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Mitch Wallis (replaced Zaine Cordy in the first quarter)
Sydney: Ben Ronke (replaced Tom Hickey in the first quarter)
Crowd: 24,327 at Marvel Stadium
