Western Bulldogs defender Brit Gutknecht says building greater consistency across four quarters will be key to the Dogs challenging the competition's top teams.
Gutknecht, who notched up her 50th game in the 11-point loss to Hawthorn on Saturday, said while there were some good moments, they lapsed at critical times.
“I think we played well in patches, so for us it’s just about playing consistent footy across all four quarters,” she said.
“If we do that, I think we can bring it to any team.”
Selected in the 2019 Draft, it took Gutknecht longer than most to reach the half-century after a serious leg injury sidelined her during the 2022 season.
Now firmly settled in the backline, she said the lengthy rehabilitation process gave her a new perspective.
"I'm definitely a different person compared to before the injury. It just gave me perspective that anything can change in a split second, and really opened my eyes to how challenging rehab can be,” she said.
"When we have girls in rehab, I'm definitely getting around them and trying to help them through it so they don't feel so isolated. I just grew stronger as a person.
"I feel great being a defender. Last year was my first there, so I didn't really feel any pressure but now I feel like more of a seasoned defender.
"It's good that I've found my home and can really settle into that role."
The Bulldogs’ next challenge will come against Fremantle in WA next Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve had a fair few (interstate) trips early in the season before settling down in the back-half, but we just take it like any other week,” Gutknecht said.
“We’ll fly in and then try and keep our routine as similar as possible to being at home.”
Ahead of Sunday's games, the Dogs sit eighth on the ladder with a 3-2 record.
