The Sydney Swans have been defeated in their season opener against the Western Bulldogs, going down by 17 points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs led by 32-points at the final break and hung on despite a late surge by the Swans that saw the margin close to within four points in the final quarter.
But late goals to Marcus Bontempelli and Sam Lloyd saw the Dogs prevail 11.16 (82) to 9.11 (65).
The Swans kicked the first goal of the game before the Bulldogs got on top late in the first term to open up a handy 21-point break at quarter-time.
They extended the margin to 33 points at the main change as both teams struggled to hit the scoreboard in the second term.
Sydney's 1.5 (11) was its lowest half-time score since kicking 1.3 against the Dockers in round four, 2015
When Billy Gowers kicked the first goal of the third term to grab a 40-point lead, the game looked all but over.
But just as quickly, the Swans hit back hard, kicking four of the next five goals (including one to debutant Nick Blakey) to give themselves some hope.
Four straight goals to open the last quarter had the Swans within four points before the Dogs managed to hold on.
Aaron Naughton caused all sorts of headaches for the Swans defence, booting three goals to lead the Dogs to an unlikely victory.
High-flying Swan Isaac Heeney put his hand up to go back-toback in the JLT Mark of the Year with a stunning grab in the first quarter.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.5 6.8 9.14 11.16 (82)
SYDNEY 1.2 1.5 5.6 9.11 (65)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, Gowers 2, Lloyd 2, Richards, Duryea, Schache, Bontempelli
Sydney: Reid 2, Heeney 2, Blakey, Hayward, Mills, Papley, Franklin
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, Bontempelli, Liberatore, Wallis, Macrae, Hunter
Sydney: Lloyd, Jones, McVeigh, Sinclair, Kennedy, Papley
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Suckling (right ankle)
Sydney: Nil
