Scott Gumbleton’s injury-plagued AFL career suffered another setback as Fremantle beat the Western Bulldogs by 28 points in their pre-season match.

Gumbleton was subbed out in the first term on Wednesday night at Etihad Stadium with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The Dockers recovered from a poor second term to beat the improving Bulldogs 0.15.7 (97) to 0.9.15 (69) in front of only 4914 fans.

Gumbleton, the former No.2 draft pick, was traded from Essendon last year after requesting a move back to his home state.

The key forward has played only 35 games since his 2007 debut because of a shocking run of injuries.

It was a much-improved performance from Fremantle after they opened the pre-season with an 84-point loss to West Coast.

After trailing by 14 points at halftime, they kicked goals to two in the second half, including an unanswered run of seven.

Ruckman Aaron Sandilands dominated for Fremantle and Michael Walters kicked four goals.

Bulldogs midfielders Koby Stevens and Jack Macrae impressed, while Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney starred in the first half.

The Dockers kicked the first two goals of the game and led by that margin at quarter-time.

But the Bulldogs dominated the second term, opening up Fremantle at times and matching them for defensive intensity.

The ‘Dogs kicked five goals to one in the quarter.

When star recruit Stewart Crameri kicked his first goal at four minutes into the third term, the Bulldogs led by 22 points.

But a strong contested mark and goal from captain Matthew Pavlich at 13 minutes signalled a comeback from last year’s grand finalists.

They kicked the last four goals of the term to lead by a point at the last change.

Crameri had a bad miss late in the term when he lined up directly in front on a set shot.

It proved costly, with the Dockers quickly moving the ball down the other end.

Sandilands marked and goaled to put Fremantle in front for the first time in more than a quarter.