Western Bulldogs youngster Patrick Wiggins saved his side and may have done the same with his AFL career by starring in the Dogs' 21-point win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome.

After just eight games in almost four full seasons to his name, Wiggins bobbed up as an unlikely hero with three goals as the Bulldogs won 14.17 (101) to 12.8 (80).

With Nathan Brown kicking some miraculous snaps among his five goals and the re-signed Luke Darcy starring across half-back, it was a night to remember for the bottom-placed Bulldogs, who disposed of a similarly-struggling Melbourne.

As both sides start to look forward to next season such games are crucial for players keen to retain their spots.

As if sensing his moment, Wiggins goalled just before half-time to give the Bulldogs the lead and then rolled through a short from the boundary line in the third term as the Dogs gained some momentum.

The Bulldogs kicked four goals in the third quarter to Melbourne's one - a Cameron Bruce goal seconds before the siren - and completely dominated across the field.

But lacking an ability to put away sides has cost the Bulldogs several times this season and Melbourne got to within 14 points after Jeff White goalled midway through the last quarter.

Wiggins then took a big mark and converted before Brown kicked his fifth goal with a snap from the boundary that landed in the goalsquare and bounced through to seal the game.

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