The Western Bulldogs defeated Carlton by 17 points on Friday at Visy Park in their final practice match before the start of the AFL season.

In an entertaining final hitout, the Bulldogs ran out comfortable winners, 12.11 (83) to 9.12 (66).

A six-goal opening quarter by the Bulldogs had them in control early. They played a tall forward line with Tom Campbell and Ayce Cordy up front throughout the game and they had the polish of Daniel Giansiracusa and Adam Cooney, who both ended the match with three goals to finish off.

After missing all but three games last year because of a broken navicular bone in his left foot, classy Bulldog Shaun Higgins continued his comeback with an outstanding effort.

He played most of the match on the half-back flank often pushing into the forward line. He moved well all game and ended with a game-high 33 possessions.

The Blues were slow to start the game. They held back Matthew Kreuzer and Dale Thomas until the second quarter, as both teams looked to rotate players through the action without putting anyone in danger of injury.

When Brock McLean took a knock to the leg in the first quarter, he was taken from the field and did not play again, protecting him for next week’s first-round clash with Port Adelaide.

When former Magpie Thomas did come on, he had an immediate effect. He played off the half-back flank and helped to steady the leaking Carlton defence.

The Bulldogs had taken a similar cautious approach with Tom Liberatore, who only played the second half but showed his class and ability to win the contested ball.

Both teams were without stars, the Bulldogs missing captain Ryan Griffen, Robert Murphy and Luke Dahlhaus, while the Blues were with champion Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs and Andrew Carrazzo.