THE WESTERN Bulldogs' last-gasp win over the Sydney Swans on Saturday night shows the side's growing maturity, coach Luke Beveridge says.

With his side two points down and fewer than 60 seconds remaining on the clock, Caleb Daniel's kick found teammate Marcus Bontempelli, who marked and contemplated a long shot at goal.

But his eyes were drawn to Jason Johannisen - back for his first game since injuring his hamstring in round four - leading into space for what would be a closer attempt at goal from almost right in front.

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The 20-year-old Bontempelli's foot pass was perfectly weighted for Johannisen to mark, go back and calmly kick the winning goal in the shadows of the siren to give the Bulldogs a four-point victory, the same margin they beat the Swans by in the corresponding fixture in 2015.

"The composure of Caleb Daniel and the composure of Marcus to get it to 'JJ' [Johannisen], who was just a little bit closer in and in a little bit of a better spot, that's quite important for some young players," a delighted Beveridge said after the match.

TALKING POINTS: Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs

"JJ was as cool as a cucumber in the end and slotted it."

The Bulldogs were 19 points up at the eight-minute mark of the final term when Will Minson's shot sailed over the goal umpire's head and looked set to secure an important win in the context of a very tight top eight.

WATCH: Luke Beveridge's full post-match press conference

However, in a game that featured seven lead changes and a number of momentum shifts throughout - the home side kicked the next three goals reclaim the advantage thanks to some Lance Franklin magic and was grimly holding on before Johannisen's memorable goal.

It was the second comeback of the night for the Bulldogs, with the visitors booting five goals in 12 minutes during a third-term blitz led by an inspirational effort from Tom Liberatore after finding themselves 16 points down two minutes into the second half.

Beveridge said it was a brilliant victory.

WATCH: The gripping last two minutes

"You hold your nerve, you keep your faith when the chips are down," Beveridge said.

"We gave the momentum back to them in the last quarter, they had the upper hand in the first half, but we managed to just grind our way back into it on a couple of occasions.

"They showed a lot of grit our boys.

"It's been a happy hunting ground the last two years, a couple of incredible wins and tonight is worth about 10 (wins) I think."

The result lifts the Bulldogs to 10 wins and four losses ahead of next week's clash with Richmond in Melbourne.

Although most pundits believe the top eight was settled, Beveridge said sides just outside the top eight were ready to pounce should anyone lose a few games.

"Port Adelaide are sniffing around, and some others, so you can't drop off," Beveridge said.

"It's important we enjoy each other's company after this game and recognise what a terrific win it was and then move on pretty quickly and focus on Richmond."