The midfielder collected 14 possessions, three marks and laid three tackles in what was just the Bulldogs' sixth premiership of any variety in the 85 years they have been in the VFL-AFL.

The former Geelong rookie was at his best in the final quarter, when his clean and clever disposal helped set up three goals, two of them to Barry Hall, which gave the Dogs some much-needed breathing space.

It ended a solid NAB Cup campaign for Moles, who averaged nearly 17 touches a game throughout the series.

Those numbers give him a strong chance of being elevated to the senior list before the round one clash with Collingwood.

On the NAB Regional Challenge circuit, Derby's Jesse Crichton began his life as a Fremantle Docker with a goal in Freo's loss to Geelong in Fremantle on Saturday, while George Town's Brad Green finished among Melbourne's best in its loss to West Coast at Casey Fields, also on Saturday.

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, of Clarence, kicked two goals in the Tigers' big loss to Essendon at Morwell on Saturday, while Burnie's Tom Hislop finished in Richmond's best.

Beauty Point's Sam Lonergan was a late scratching for Essendon due to general soreness.

On Friday, Lauderdale's Mitch Robinson was one of Carlton's stronger contributors in its one- point loss to Adelaide at Visy Park, finishing with two goals.