WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade believes effective ball use holds the key to the Dogs' finals chances.

After watching his side concede the last four goals of Friday night's 46-point win over a depleted Essendon, Eade stressed its skill level had to go up a cog.

"We need to use the ball a bit more efficiently and a bit more productively," he said. "In finals footy every little bit counts.

"The last 10 minutes we dropped away a bit. The last four goals were disappointing but when we hit targets, that's when we broke the game open."

The Bulldogs had lost four of their last five games before this win, and Eade branded it another step in the right direction for some key players.

"I think there were some good signs from individuals who have been down a little bit," he said.

"And guys who turned the corner last week. It was another upwards game for them, so it was pleasing all round."

Eade highlighted the efforts of Adam Cooney (28 possessions), Ryan Griffen (19), Robert Murphy (18 and 10 marks), Jason Akermanis (four goals) and Mitch Hahn (six goals), and pondered whether Hahn had become the barometer for his team.

The Dogs have won each of their eight matches this season when the forward has gathered 15 or more possessions and, on Friday night, he had 16 touches (including 12 contested), took eight marks and kicked 6.1 to sink the struggling Bombers.

"Certainly if he does play well we do play well, but whether he is the barometer…I’d like to think we are a bit more of an even side than that," Eade said.

"His marking tonight was pleasing and once he clunked a couple he gained that confidence to actually go for them again. Hopefully he can take that confidence level forward the next few weeks."

While skills are an issue, Eade added the side also has to improve its work at the clearances. Despite fielding a young side, the Bombers won the clearance count 34-31, while also winning the inside 50 battle 56-53.

"Clearances are an area we need to look at," he said.

"There was a stage there where we were eight-nil down in the second quarter."

Eade said Lindsay Gilbee and Farren Ray, both late withdrawals because of a virus, would return for the Dogs' clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium next Saturday.