Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says his side will continue to look for areas they can improve ahead of a blockbuster Saturday night clash against Carlton.

The Bulldogs survived a late Giants surge in round eight, holding onto a 15-point win largely thanks to back-to-back Aaron Naughton goals.

Beveridge said slipping away from some fundamentals late in the game ultimately allowed the Giants in, which his side will look to rectify against Carlton this week.

“If you have a look at the numbers, it was a lot of territory for GWS and a lot of stoppages in their forward-50,” Beveridge told reporters following the game.

“There were some fundamentals that we pride ourselves on – the dampness came in when it rained a little bit which meant (those fundamentals) became even more important.

“We frustrated ourselves by letting the ball out of the back and into open space way too often, which gave the Giants a look and fuelled some brilliance in their game that really shone through at the start of that last quarter.”

Defender Jason Johannisen echoed his coach’s thoughts post-game.

“It’s not the way we wanted to finish the game off, but we held strong in the end and got the four points at the end of the day - that’s what we came here for,” Johannisen said.

“I think we just went away from the fundamentals – we brought (the Giants) into the game and they came with a rush.

“They piled on consecutive goals but it was good to respond.

“For Naughty to kick back-to-back goals and settle us a bit – it was a good effort in slippery conditions.”

Johanissen has returned to his customary half-back role in recent weeks, and registered 18 disposals, eight marks, five intercepts and a goal against the Giants.

He credited the midfield group for their influence on the game, and acknowledged the side is building some strong momentum.

“We rely so much on our midfield group - they provide so much momentum for us in the game and were massive for us tonight as well.

“I think Bonti and Baz especially were unreal with their influence in the game.

“We’re definitely getting some momentum. Especially in the last five weeks, we’re definitely playing the brand we want to and what we are known for.

“Tonight we sort of went away from that at times – I thought we could’ve been better at doing the simple things – but we’re building some good momentum and just have to carry on and continually look for improvement.”

The Dogs will look to make it four straight wins when they meet Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.