Proud but eager for more is how you'd describe Head Coach Tam Hyett's sentiment following the Dogs' impressive win over the Saints in their final game of the year. 

The Dogs had their best football on display in a dominant 45-point win over the Saints on Sunday afternoon.

While the game had little impact for the Dogs in terms of their season, the win arguably signalled an important milestone for the group - showing that they are more than capable of taking up the challenge to the best teams in the competition.

Here's what Hyett had to say following the win.

On the start of the game:

“Yeah, it was a big focus for us. I think we’ve been up and down with our starts.

“We knew that if we could bring our contest, our pressure from the start, and then connect in that forward half, that generally sets us up for a good game.”

On the team effort:

“I loved them all.

“That’s what you need at this level. You need 21 contributors on game day, and that’s what we had. That’s something that’s been building. I don’t think we’re reliant on anyone.

“We’re utilising each player’s strengths, and that’s had a massive impact on our results this year.”

On Naomi Ferres:

“Fez is the ultimate teammate. She does all the little things well.

“Anyone who’s got to do top-up running - she’s always out there helping - and it’s been unlucky that she hasn’t played more games this year.

“She had a really great impact today.

“The proof was in the pudding.

"If we could have got around her off the bench, we would have jumped on as well. She’s just a great, great person, and it’s a really good reward for her today.”

On the contrast from last week in conditions:

“We embraced it.

“We’ve gone from McKay, which was pretty hot, to Ballarat, which was waterlogged, to here, which is pretty much perfect.

“Credit to our high-performance team, who have done a mountain of work in the off-season in setting up the players to really have a good launch at the back end of the year.

“I think that’s something that’s stood out probably over the last month.”

On being the ‘party poopers’ in the final round:

“We just want to get better every week. There are areas of our game that have definitely improved this year.

“We just beat a finals side, so that’s a baseline for us now - knowing that we are good enough. 

"Now it’s about making sure that we do all the things right in the off-season, set ourselves up for a really strong pre-season, and then start the season really well next year.”

On the ‘slow start’ to the year:

“I wouldn’t say we stumbled. I would just say we failed to execute.

“Nothing has changed - our method, our instruction - we’ve just been able to execute with ball in hand.

“That makes a big difference. We’ve been able to grow our chemistry, especially ahead of the ball.

“It’s just time.

“It would be nice if there were a couple more games to finish off the year.

“Not disappointed at all. We know that we’re good enough - we’ve just got to make sure we’re executing in every game.”

On the confidence in the group heading into next year:

“It builds belief.

“Especially when you’re sitting outside the finals and you know that you’ve knocked off a finals side. That’s something we’ve just spoken to the players about - that they know we’re good enough to be here next year.

“That’s our aim, and we won’t shy away from that.

“We throw everything at it every week, regardless of where we’re positioned on the ladder.

“That’s what I’m proud of with the girls.”

On combating the Saints’ backline:

“We just play against the jumper - the person that’s in the jumper.

“We were better than them in the jumper today.

“I think the Saints will cause some headaches in the first week of the finals.

“I’m just happy with the collective effort from our group.”

On the bench situation and being outnumbered late in the game: 

“Heidi (Woodley) was choking on something, so we had to take her inside and smack her on the back to give her a bit of relief.

“That’s why. She’s great!”