The Bulldogs were ranked 14th for tackles in their forward 50 last season, and last overall in tackles per game, while premiers Collingwood were the No.1 side in applying forward pressure.
Former Geelong small forward Nathan Djerrkura was traded to the Bulldogs at the end of last year with that particular statistic in mind.
Djerrkura played his first two games for the Bulldogs on Sunday during round one of the NAB Cup at Skilled Stadium.
The forward showed some positive signs against North Melbourne in the Bulldogs' first match, adding some pace to their forward line with eight touches and two tackles. Shaun Higgins also had his tackle count up in both games.
"Obviously it's an area we need to improve," Eade said.
"We need to get better at that and obviously some of our older players weren't good at that in the past and Nathan can add that - but he certainly can play on ball as well."
"Him and Jones have got some pace and Grant's got some pace and I thought Higgins tackled well today so it's a pleasing sign as well."
Along with Djerrkura, a host of youngsters also made their first appearance for the Bulldogs on Sunday with second-year rookie Matthew Panos and father-son selections Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore showing promising signs.
Mature-age defender Lukas Markovic also made his first senior appearance for the Bulldogs as did exciting 21-year-old forward Zephaniah Skinner.
"I thought there was a lot of positives," Eade said.
"I think overall there were some good signs from some of our experienced players but certainly some kids got some game time which was good and they'll get some more of the next few weeks."
"Markovic fought back well I thought after being a bit nervous in his first game. Skinner's obviously got some talent, he just needs to build his fitness base up. Grant was all right I thought so a few [good] signs, that was pleasing."
Forward Barry Hall and ruckman Ben Hudson were rested for the short games, while Robert Murphy trained well today after recovering from an ankle injury and should be available to play in the Bulldog's NAB challenge game next week.
The Bulldogs are taking a cautious approach with star midfielder Adam Cooney as he recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained in round 21 last season. Cooney should be available to play in three weeks.
Defender Brian Lake should be ready for match play in four weeks following a host of off-season surgeries, while Ryan Hargrave won't return until May as he recovers from ankle surgery
