If you ask defender Hayden Crozier, it was just a matter of time before the Western Bulldogs put in a performance like they did against St.Kilda on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Bulldogs were 28-points in arrears early in the second quarter after managing just five behinds in the opening term, but drove through 14 goals to three after the first break to snap their four game winning streak.   

Crozier, speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au post-match said despite the rough run the players continued to put the work in, confident the wheel would turn. 

Full match report: Dogs v Saints

“It’s been a tough two months for us,” he said.  “They boys have never dropped their head, we’ve been coming into the Club at the start of the week and really looking to improve our game. 

“We’ve had patches where we’ve played a good half, a good three quarters and let ourselves down in one or two quarters.  

“(I’m) extremely proud of the boys tonight.”

The smooth-moving former Docker had another solid night down back, his 19 disposals coming at a slick 95%, and his five intercepts were key to setting up the Dogs’ forward surges.

Despite the goalless first term, and the Saints’ four straight going into quarter time, Crozier said he was confident the Dogs could turn the tide. 

“It was funny, in the first quarter we were doing a lot of things right, we were just turning it over by footy and giving them back momentum, he said. 

“Although the scoreboard didn’t look great we were actually playing decent footy.” 

By midway through the second, decent became excellent and the Dogs would power their way to a comfortable 35-point victory.