Luke Beveridge had a simple message for his charges’ after the Western Bulldogs’ eight-point loss to West Coast at Domain Stadium on Friday night: move on quickly. 

The Dogs were again ruing a slow start but almost ran down the Eagles in another spirited second-half display, holding the home side to just 1.9, but falling just short when the final siren sounded.

Beveridge, speaking to media post-match said that he implored his players after the game to turn their eyes to next Friday night’s trip to Simonds Stadium where the Cats will be waiting.   

“We’ve got a real challenge next Friday against Geelong,” he said.

“The great thing is we seem to have gotten through the game unscathed, which is uncommon for us, so that’s good. But what are we, 5-3? It’s not the end of the world.”

Forward Jack Redpath, playing his first game since injuring a knee in round 18 last season made a statement early, kicking the first of the match, to finish with three goals, while Lukas Webb, also playing his first game of 2017, kicked two and laid seven tackles to go along with his 12 touches.

Caleb Daniel, who put up 15 disposals, and three inside 50s in a big final quarter, told BulldogsTV in the rooms after the game that he was pleased to see Redpath and Webb do well, but was already eyeing off the Cats.

“It’s great to see Jack Redpath back after a knee injury and Lukas Webb, he’s been playing some awesome footy down in the VFL, so to get him back and up and running is really good.

“They both got a couple of kicks, which is nice, and hopefully next week we can all put our best foot forward.”

The Dogs have got Geelong and St.Kilda before the Bye, followed by the Swans in Sydney, and the Demons at Etihad to round out an important five weeks.

“We’re frustrated, and really disappointed we’re not coming away with a win from Subiaco, or Domain Stadium, “Beveridge said, “but we’ll move on really quickly and focus on our next challenge.”