Optimism and a clear mind were the key to this weekend’s impressive win over the Bombers, according to midfielder Luke Dahlhaus.

Speaking to the media at VU Whitten Oval on Monday morning, the 25-year-old said the team were optimistic leading up to the round three clash with Essendon.

“We’ve been so positive out on the track. That energy, especially with a young group like us, it’s been right up, and it’s been great,” said Dahlhaus.

“I think we’ve all chipped in and just kept positive throughout those pretty bad weeks, hopefully this week will be another positive week.”

Despite two early losses, the Dogs had been focussed on the encouraging signs shown in the two first rounds.

“In those two weeks, the energy was right up, it was just on game day that we weren’t really presenting.

“We spoke about it this week, getting back to the basics of footy. I think that helped clear the mind,” he said.

The Bulldogs return to Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon to take on the Sydney Swans.