A strong final quarter saw the Western Bulldogs walk away 15-point victors after a largely close tussle at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

Bulldogs captain Ellie Blackburn proved the difference as her side outlasted the Cats to finish 3.6 (24) to 1.3 (9) victors, after just one point had separated the teams at three-quarter time.

In the only NAB AFL Women's match of round three in Victoria to be played in front of fans due to the state's latest lockdown, Blackburn collected 25 disposals and directly set-up the Dogs' first two goals.

Dogs No.2 draft pick Jess Fitzgerald was then left to ice the match, fending off two Cats opponents before finishing off a brilliant solo running effort. 

It conspired Geelong to its third consecutive defeat of the season with the Cats goalless in nine of 12 quarters for the season.

The Dogs, now placed at 2-1, could've been further in front at half-time through the dominance of Blackburn and Kirsty Lamb (20 disposals) around the contest. 

The Cats brought a stronger tackling edge after the main break and kicked their sole major through Phoebe McWilliams but were unable to make the most of territory dominance.

It was McWilliams' first major of 2021, and she proved a strong target around the ground, taking six grabs to go with her 11 disposals and three tackles on the night.

Amy McDonald continued her brilliant start to the season, providing tenacity and spark to the Cats around the ground on her way to 25 disposals, eight clearances and six tackles.

Second-gamers Liv Barber and Steph Williams provided plenty of excitement, with Barber taking strong grabs and bringing the pressure, while Williams provided pace and pressure.

Georgie Rankin put in a gutsy performance, while Olivia Purcell was again among the best and Meghan McDonald was strong in defence.

Aasta O'Connor was impressive against her former side.

GEELONG                                0.0       0.1       1.2       1.3 (9)
WESTERN BULLDOGS             1.1       1.3       1.3       3.6 (24)

GOALS
Geelong: McWilliams
Western Bulldogs: Huntington, McLeod, Fitzgerald

BEST 
Geelong: McWilliams, A.McDonald, Purcell, O'Connor, M.McDonald
Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, Lamb, Huntington, Lochland, Ferres, Georgostathis

INJURIES 
Geelong: Nil 
Western Bulldogs: Nil 

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 1124 at GMHBA Stadium