The Bulldogs have maintained their challenge for a top-six spot with a 12-point win over Geelong at Whitten Oval.

In a low-scoring game, Bonnie Toogood led the way with two goals for the Dogs.

The Bulldogs, who were playing their fifth game in three weeks, were desperately in need of a win over a Geelong side with only one victory to their credit in season 2022.

Conditions played a large part in proceedings at Whitten Oval, with a strong wind aiding the Bulldogs in the opening quarter.

The home side could not take advantage, with just two behinds scored to quarter-time.

Geelong had the advantage of the breeze in the second term, but they were unable to convert either.

Their long kicks down the wing were easily mopped up by the Bulldogs' defence, and they extended their lead to 14 points at the main break.

One of the Bulldogs' main advantages was the presence of key forward Toogood, whose fierce aerial contests helped set up attacks, not to mention her vital goals.

The game was all but gone by three-quarter time, with only the Bulldogs poor kicking for goal keeping their margin to 25 points. 

Phoebe McWilliams and Chloe Sheer booted two goals in just over a minute in the final quarter to give the Cats a sniff of an unlikely victory, but poor decision-making and an inability to take key marks and complete vital passes left Geelong to fall short.

The stats showed the Bulldogs' dominance, with the home side finishing with 80 more possessions and 32 inside 50s to Geelong's 19.

For the Bulldogs, familiar names like Ellie Blackburn (22 disposals, four tackles), Elisabeth Georgostathis (23 disposals, six tackles, one goal), Kirsty Lamb (26 disposals, seven tackles) dominated the stats.

Western Bulldogs will face Gold Coast at Carrara on Tuesday while Geelong will take on Richmond in Melbourne next Saturday.