Western Bulldogs captain Easton Wood says a finals appearance is still within reach despite Friday’s 35-point loss to Collingwood, telling Channel 7 post-match that it’s a challenge, but “It’s our challenge.”

Wood himself worked tirelessly across half back as the Magpies stacked on eight second half goals, a job made more difficult by Zaine Cordy missing the second half due to a concussion.

The Dogs took an 18-point lead into the long break after Josh Schache kicked his first goal in Club colours, and for the first two quarters, the Dogs’ dash and pressure were enough to keep the Magpies on the back foot. 

Wood said it was these positives that they can take into next weekend’s clash with Melbourne and the rest of the season. 

“We were able to release press and keep the ball in our half and score off the back of those forward half turnovers, which was really pleasing,” Wood said in the rooms.  

“We were a bit more accurate than we’d been in previous weeks, so that was really promising but we just couldn’t get back in that second half.”

And with four of the next five at Etihad Stadium and a Round 17 return-bout with Melbourne at the MCG to come, Wood remained optimistic about the Dogs’ season.

“(Finals) are still within our reach.  What are we now, four and six?  So, it’s a challenge, but it’s our challenge, he said. 

“We’ll look forward to unpacking the game like have just briefly and looking at the areas that we need to improve on to give that a shot.”