Footscray VFL coach Alex Johnson believes his side has continued to grow throughout the season, despite the challenges that come with the nature of the VFL competition.
Despite regular changes to the team - whether that be through AFL selection or injury - Johnson said he has enjoyed the challenge of bringing a slightly different side together each week.
"It's the nature of the VFL system (to) have changes each week," Johnson said.
"I don't mind it - I enjoy the challenge of it, trying to get cohesion with the group every week.
"You try and find the best mix you can and get a good balance that can give you a decent performance on the weekend.
"I feel like we've been in every game. We're just trying to search for consistency of effort and the results falling our way."
Following an important win over Gold Coast, Johnson was proud of the way his side embraced the challenge under pressure.
"I think the way we played the first half was probably the best footy we've played for the last couple of months," Johnson said.
"To get that result and come back with four points is always really important."
Johnson also praised several players who have consistently led the way throughout the season, highlighting skipper Dan Orgill, co-vice captain Cooper Craig-Peters and emerging forward Kane Sexton in particular.
"Dan has just been really consistent week in and week out in his efforts," he said.
"Cooper has been awesome as well, he gets a lot of the inside mid stuff right and leads from the front.
"Kane has had a real impact and been our most dangerous forward for a few weeks."
With four rounds remaining, Johnson said the focus is on continuing to build consistency and team-first football as Footscray chase a finals dream.
"It's just trying to find that consistent contest and pressure, week-to-week," he said.
“We’ve got a good game plan that gives the players an opportunity to be able to show their talent.
"I'm really trying to emphasise the idea of being a good teammate and playing your strengths within the system."
The VFL Bulldogs will host Richmond in a VFL/W double-header this Saturday at Mission Whitten Oval.
