Dale Morris’ return to the Western Bulldogs side was as timely as they come.

The veteran defender slotted into the Bulldogs line up after ten weeks out of the senior side due to injury, in a night where defence was pivotal.

Although not a high-possession game, Morris’ presence in the Bulldogs back half was felt as the Dogs’ defenders set the tone for their side all night.

“It was a tough game and we had to work really hard for it,” Morris said post-match.

“It was a grind through the whole game so the boys did well to stick at the task and get the win in the end.”

St Kilda applied severe pressure up to half time but the Bulldogs defenders were able to get on top in the second half, led by Matthew Boyd and Easton Wood, the Dogs’ best on the night.

Morris said the ability to react and get the game back on the Dogs’ terms was a credit to his side.

“We wanted to play our style and get the ball moving the way that we wanted to and the Saints defended really well and made it hard for us.

“But we knew we had to stick at it and eventually we’d be able to get through and the boys to their credit stuck to their guns and we got the job done.”

Morris credited the Dogs’ ability to overcome the Saints in the second half to belief amongst the playing group.

“We’ve got great belief and faith in our game style and our game plan and we knew that if we could stick at it that eventually we would get reward for effort and we did that.

“It’s great to get back out there, I missed the boys.”