Western Bulldogs forward Sam Lloyd believes the team is close to finding its groove after its two JLT Community Series matches.

Lloyd, who joined the Bulldogs in the off-season, kicked three goals in the side’s 14-point loss to St Kilda at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday.

But despite the result, he believes the positives and areas for improvement are clear.

“(The result) was disappointing, you go into every game wanting to win obviously,” Lloyd said.

“But I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom, I think we actually played really well at stages, and I thought the midfield was outstanding.

“Just our field kicking, and a couple of set shots at goal we missed that we can improve on next time and we’ll be a five or six goal better side.”

The Bulldogs forward line took on a new look against the Saints, after their first JLT Series match against Gold Coast.

Aaron Naughton made the move from defence to attack, kicking three goals, while Josh Schache came in to the side and kicked two majors.

“’Naughty’ up there I thought was outstanding today, and big Schache coming in had a real crack.

“I think it’s all about to click, we just need to get back on the track and get going. I feel like we’re moving in the right direction, that’s for sure.”

Lloyd was pleased with his own output, but in a positive for Bulldogs fans, says he has much more to give as he settles into life in red, white and blue.

“It was good to get on the end of a few,” he said.

“I felt like I needed to hit the scoreboard, especially after last week, so to kick three goals is a positive, but I’ve always got a lot of improvement to go.”