ASSISTANT coach Wayne Campbell says the Western Bulldogs’ form is a worry, after they slumped to their fourth loss in five matches against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs led for three quarters at the Gabba but managed only three goals in the second half to lose by 11 points.
Speaking at Melbourne airport on Sunday morning, Campbell blamed the side’s goalkicking for the loss, rather than a last-quarter fade-out.
"It's the worst we have kicked at goal all year,” he said. “To kick 10.19, we had plenty of opportunities, and couldn't make the most of them, and they made the most of their opportunities in the last quarter."
The Sydney Swans’ recent slide means the Dogs remain virtually assured of third position on the ladder, and a qualifying final against Hawthorn. But with games to come against Essendon and Adelaide (at AAMI Stadium), they badly need a change of fortunes to go into the finals series with any confidence.
"The fact that we have lost four out of the last five is a concern,” Campbell said. “We need to get back on the winners’ list this week against Essendon this week. Our form is a concern, definitely."
Coach Rodney Eade said a number of his senior players were playing below par, but Campbell refused to single anybody out.
"I think it is across the board,” he said. “We have lots of players out of form and that happens and your team doesn't play well.”
Scott West looks on track for a senior return after his outing in the VFL on Saturday.
West had 27 touches, despite spending most of the final term on the bench in Williamstown's win against Bendigo.
