AT SECOND on the ladder and with just one loss to their name, the Western Bulldogs don't have much to be displeased about with seven rounds remaining.

They're in top form, they're kicking goals from all over the place, and they've established a positive culture that has them on the end of a six-match winning streak.

This time last year, it all went wrong. They were belted by Geelong – the team they incidentally face this week – with the round 16 loss kick-starting a horror slide into September that consisted of six losses and one draw.

Things are different now. The Dogs have matured, have few injuries, and have a handful of players currently starring for their VFL affiliate Williamstown.

Williamstown coach Brad Gotch said the Bulldogs have a collection of players tucked away in the reserves that should Senior Coach Rodney Eade wish, could be called on if required.

"Peter Street is ready and Rodney has said he is playing well. He could play senior footy if one of the tall guys fell over like Will Minson or Ben Hudson," Gotch told westernbulldogs.com.au.

"He's been tremendous down at Williamstown this year, and he's certainly been in the most consistent form of his career.

"He's been around awhile and is now having to play in the VFL rather than in the AFL, he's showing a great attitude and has been a great leader down there.

"Shaun Higgins came back on the weekend for his first game, and he got through with about 15 possessions, which wasn't bad for his first game in three months.

"We're looking forward to him coming back, and we'll give him more game time in another couple and then he might be ready to come in.

"Wayde [Skipper] has still been out with that knee, but he's about two weeks away and I think the Senior coaches would want him if we can get him back, same with Tim Callan and his tendon-related hamstring.

The Dogs expect another injection of strength in the coming weeks, with veteran midfielder Scott West nearing a return that is expected to occur through the VFL.

He also said a trio of the club's pups in Guy O'Keefe, Callan Ward and Sam Reid can also be called upon if needed after showing strong form recently.

"Callan has already had three senior games, and he could step into the breach if needed," he said.

"He's still going good, and then there's guys like Sam Reid, whose improvement in the last six weeks has been amazing.

"He's been in our higher echelon of possession getters recently, and he's really exciting. Whether we need him is something the match committee will have to judge, but he's probably close to being in the top 26 to 28.