conceded 18 goals in the last three quarters to lose 19.13 (127) to 5.10 (40) and falling into the bottom four on the ladder.

Hird's team could only muster two goals in the first half on their way to an eighth loss in nine games, with supporters filing out of the home game from late in the third quarter.

Once the fast and efficient Bulldogs broke the game open in the opening minutes of the second quarter the result was a foregone conclusion, with the extent of the damage the only question remaining.

It was an important question too, with the Bulldogs jumping to fifth spot on the ladder thanks to their percentage boost, passing Richmond and North Melbourne to sit just one game behind the fourth-placed Sydney Swans.

Former Bomber StewartCrameri enjoyed a day out against his old club, booting a career-high seven goals and providing constant pressure in the forward line, creating turnovers.

Lacking confidence and direction with their ball-movement, the Bombers set out to stifle the Bulldogs in the first quarter, forcing the lowest scoring first term of the season, with a combined 1.6 scored.

The quarter went for just 23 minutes and 23 seconds and was the shortest recorded by Champion Data since 1999.

It was a relief when the siren sounded, allowing at least the Bulldogs to reset and emerge with a game-breaking plan that saw them kick four goals in 10 minutes after quarter time.