Star defender Jason Johannisen says his side’s improved ball movement – and unpredictability – will pose a threat in the run home, as the Western Bulldogs strive to keep their finals hopes alive.
The Bulldogs sit in ninth spot on the AFL ladder with four games to play, just percentage behind the eighth-placed Adelaide Crows.
Their best has been good enough to beat the likes of Geelong, Brisbane and Richmond – but the flipside has been dropping games to the likes of Gold Coast, Carlton, North Melbourne and St Kilda.
“We’ve just got to win every week now, that’s the mindset we have to have,” Johannisen told media at VU Whitten Oval today.
“The spirit and morale is right up there.
“It’s as good as it’s felt since I’ve been here, so that’s a positive and we’ve got to keep growing that.”
The Bulldogs have won four of their past five matches – and five of seven since their round 12 bye.
Johannisen believes better ball movement and plenty of competition for spots has helped drive the group, who have shown are capable of matching it with the competition’s best.
“Our ball movement’s been a lot better in the last month or so, and if you use the ball better you’re defending less – that’s been our main focus,” he said.
“The way we move the ball is unpredictable and very damaging.
“If we do make it to finals, it could cause teams some havoc. If we play at our best, we believe we can beat anyone.”
A big challenge looms this week against the in-form Lions on their home turf, who have won their past six matches to jump into third spot on the ladder.
THREE DOGS IN TEAM OF THE WEEK
“They’re the most in-form team in the competition,” Johannisen said.
“They’re playing some really good footy, but in saying that we did beat them earlier in the year – obviously it was in Ballarat, this week’s going to be a lot different conditions.
“We know that they’re going to be a massive challenge, but we’re up for it.
“If we can play our best for four quarters we’ll be right in there.”
