WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge believes his team has embraced playing 'on edge' and that's the reason it sits within reach of a first finals appearance since 2016 after a dominant 61-point win over Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.
The Dogs were 4-7 and 15th on the ladder at the bye with significant wins over Richmond and Brisbane, but poor losses to Gold Coast and Carlton.
However, seven wins from the past 10 matches has Beveridge's side in eighth spot with one game remaining in the home-and-away season, a clash with Adelaide in Ballarat next Sunday.
Matt Suckling was superb for the Bulldogs. Picture: AFL Photos
The man who guided the club to a famous flag three seasons ago said his team didn't have room for many slip-ups after the mid-year break and knowing their fate hinged on playing consistent footy has helped the winning run.
They piled on 21 goals in a row against Essendon last week and Beveridge said the Bulldogs knew they couldn't afford to relax their intensity against GWS.
"It's only a fleeting form line in the second half of the year so we haven't established who we are just yet, and how formidable we can be," he said post-match.
DOGS SIGNAL FINALS INTENT Full match coverage and stats
"There's no room for complacency so we're still on edge, and that has helped us perform again (against the Giants).
"As I said to the boys during the week, you're never quite sure how good you were, and you're never quite sure how off the opposition were on the day.
"All you can do is look after the things that matter.
"As an emerging team and a team that's physically maturing as well, you like to believe, and you hope to a degree, that you're going to get better and better.
"Time will tell."
WATCH Luke Beveridge's full post-match press conference
On recent form the Dogs look likely to pose plenty of problems if they can beat the Crows and make it into the finals, and Beveridge paid tribute to the way the entire club has responded to their poor early season form.
"The boys have established some momentum in recent times and it's been impressive the way the players and coaches and everyone at the club has applied themselves, and we've given ourselves a look at it," he said.
GAMEBREAKER Dogs' midfield provides plenty of bite
"Regardless of your plan and vision of how you want to play, ultimately you're no good unless your players can execute it, and the players have been outstanding in all the phases of the game.
"Our challenge is to keep our heads in it and focus on our next opponent."
Ruckman Tim English will return to face Adelaide after he was a late withdrawal from the win over the Giants with illness.
