The Western Bulldogs have held off the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, winning 7.9.51 to 6.10.46.

In a tight and wet final term, it was the Bulldogs who held their nerve with goals to Lachie Young and Ed Richards proving the difference.

Young gun Izak Rankine took a brilliant mark late but failed to convert, the Dogs hanging on by 5 points.

Rankine suffered a finger injury but played out the game, while Dogs debutant Callum Porter also went off the ground sore, but managed to finish the game.

Jack Macrae the pick of the Bulldogs with 29 touches, Touk Miller did everything he could to inspire the Suns finishing with 26 and 7 clearances.

Shane McInnes, Brad Hardie and David Schwarz called the action on 6PR. All the highlights below.