A challenging match against the ladder-leaders will hold the Bulldogs in good stead, according to defender Michael Talia.

The Bulldogs endured a physical match against Fremantle on Sunday afternoon, and almost posted a miraculous comeback against the undefeated Dockers.

Talia said his side have looked to take the positives after their fast-finish to the match into their week on the training track.

“I think we took a bit of confidence out of our finish to the game.

“The start wasn’t how we would have planned for it to go but we definitely took a lot of confidence out of it knowing they’re a very good side… so we’ll be bringing that energy into next week.”

Talia identified missed opportunities in the last quarter against the Dockers as the reason they couldn’t capitalise and take out the match, and the Dogs would look to rectify that in time for their match with Melbourne on Sunday.

“There were just a few opportunities where maybe we could have stuck tackles and we could have taken a few ground balls.

“So there might be a bit of fundamental training on the track just to work on our technique and hopefully we can bring that into the game at the MCG.”

The young defender is enjoying a consistent season, tasked with handling some of the best forwards in the game, including Matthew Pavlich and Nick Riewoldt in recent weeks.

Averaging 16 disposals and five marks after seven rounds, Talia is proving that he is up to the challenge.

“Obviously I’ve had to mature a bit pretty quickly because I’m playing on some good opponents.

“For me it’s just about taking it a week at a time, just knowing what my role… and how I can best produce that, but it’s been great being able to play on the best forward for most weeks.”

Talia said the focus had quickly turned to the Demons on Sunday afternoon, when the Dogs will play their last of two matches at the venue for 2015.

“It’s always a special occasion playing on the MCG and it’s going to be a tough challenge against Melbourne.

“We’re definitely not taking them lightly, it’s going to be a great day, hopefully we can get the four points.”