The Western Bulldogs have given their fans hope that last year was an aberration, downing Hawthorn by 22 points in their AFL pre-season clash in Ballarat.

After a see-sawing first half on Saturday, the Dogs broke away in the third quarter to prevail 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78) in front of 4565 fans at Mars Stadium.

Looking to bounce back after missing the finals last season for the first time since 2009, the Hawks led by 10 points at halftime but could only manage three goals in the second half.

The slick Dogs piled on five goals in the third term but lost veteran forward Liam Picken to concussion late in the quarter.

Picken was stretchered off after being knocked out in a collision with teammate Josh Dunkley.

It was otherwise smooth sailing for the 2016 premiers, who had plenty to prove after limping to a 10th-placed finish last season.

Key forward Josh Schache sat out the first half but didn’t take long to make an impact, linking up with Jason Johannisen to boot his first goal in Bulldogs colours early in the third term.

Tough midfielder Tom Liberatore, who struggled to keep his spot in the side last season, was solid with 18 disposals and a goal.

Both sides fielded near full-strength teams for their first trial match of the off-season, with Cyril Rioli, Grant Birchall and James Frawley among the notable omissions for Hawthorn.

The Hawks had the better of a first half in which the lead changed hands a dozen times.

Former Port Adelaide recruit Jarman Impey displayed his blistering speed in an impressive first quarter, finishing the match with 15 disposals and six inside-50s.

Fringe key forward Ryan Schoenmakers slotted three goals while Tom Mitchell (30 disposals, 10 clearances) was typically prolific at the coalface.

Jaeger O’Meara finished with 16 touches but showed plenty of class and didn’t appear to be restricted by the knee issues that kept him to just six games last season.