WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge is confident his side can "climb quickly" back into contention despite failing to make the finals for a second straight season.
The Dogs currently sit 13th on this year's ladder with eight victories ahead of their final-round meeting with reigning premiers Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
A wretched run with injury compounded with form slumps has impacted the Bulldogs' season, but Beveridge believes being active in the upcoming trade period, supported by the return of injured players, will accelerate his side next year.
"We're going through a cycle and a period of change, and next year I anticipate we'll inject some experience into the team," Beveridge said on Friday morning.
"We don't want to go on a long, progressive cycle of climbing again.
"We want to climb quickly.
"There's good indication in this last month that we can climb quickly.
"We just need to [ensure] we complement our current group with some new players over the off-season and get some players back from injury, and who knows what can happen next year?"
