Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter has poured cold water on suggestions the team has lost its hunger after winning the premiership last year.

The Bulldogs are in the top eight and ahead of the win/loss ledger after 11 rounds, leading into a crucial clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

“You only have to talk to some of the older guys who have been around a while, like Boydy (Matthew Boyd) and Bob (Murphy),” Hunter told media at Victoria University Whitten Oval on Thursday.

“They know how hard it was to get there, and went through so much stuff before – 16 years of not being there.

“The hunger is definitely still there for the younger fellas.”

Hunter is confident the Bulldogs will recapture their best form, with last Friday’s loss to Sydney a contrast to the dominant win over St Kilda a week earlier.

“Teams are going to go up and down.  We’re not going to play the same every week, that’s the reality of the game,” he said.

“It’s similar to last year.  We were up and down at different stages throughout the year.

“Hopefully we can find our best footy soon, and I’m sure we will.”