AS THE Western Bulldogs strive to make the most of their final month of the season, coach Brendan McCartney says it is important his side retains the attacking elements of Sunday’s win over St Kilda.  

 

The Bulldogs registered their highest-scoring first quarter of the season in the 23-point win, kicking seven goals and opening a lead that was never hauled in by the Saints.

 

There were 33 goals kicked between the clubs by the final siren and although McCartney wished for a slightly tighter showing, being part of an entertaining contest was good for his group, too.

 

"It looked like us at times and then it wouldn't look like us, but we probably got a bit of good learning out of it today," he said.

 

"Every game's a learning experience for about two thirds of our team, and there was some good learning out of today. It looked like a good game to watch.

 

"Is it exactly how we want to play all of the time? Probably not. Keep the attacking side, [be a] bit better at the defensive side and I won't only be a happier coach, I think we'll be a happier club because we'll be a lot more competitive and win more games."

 

The fast, quick and open start to the game surprised the Dogs, but they adapted to produce plenty of scoring opportunities using the corridor and link-up play.

 

That St Kilda hit back in the fourth quarter to get within 11 points with four minutes to play was only slightly frustrating for the coach, but not enough to sour the Dogs' effort.

 

"We played some really good footy today and so did they, so it was a good day but it had its challenges," McCartney said.

 

"They were quite emotional as a club, the crowd was involved and the players were involved and we got a good start which was really good. We got four points, we don't do that every week so we've got to enjoy it while it's there."

 

The Bulldogs flew home at the end of last season, winning four of their last six games to encourage hopes of a rise up the ladder.

 

They finished with eight wins in 2013 and their victory over the Saints was their seventh of 2014. With three games to play, McCartney said it was difficult to measure the club's progress.

 

"[It's a] different looking team but sometimes the draw's a bit different too," he said.

 

"Every year's different. You've got to remember sometimes you run into clubs on the way down a little bit, and you can run into clubs on the way up a little bit. Often it depends on where you get them and where physically you're at.

 

"But we seem to be running the year out OK and handling the year."