The Dogs may be coming off successive losses to open the 2018 season, but spirits remain high at the kennel according to defender Matthew Suckling, as they look to get their season back on track against Essendon this weekend.

Speaking to media at VU Whitten Oval on Thursday morning, the 29-year-old said morale was high and the group were looking forward to getting back to Etihad Stadium to take on the Dons on Sunday.

“(it was) Interesting coming in Monday, everyone’s spirits were really high, happy to be here and having fun.  We’re really united and just excited about this weekend.”

Despite Sunday’s loss, it was a more even Bulldog performance in Round 2, with the Eagles dominant second quarter ultimately the difference between the two sides.  

“I think the first week was three bad quarters, and we had just one bad quarter on Sunday so there’s some good things to take out of the game and that’s what we’re focused on this week,” Suckling said.

“There was a bit of learning to come out of it, as there are most weeks… but we looked at some good stuff and the excitement that we can bring to the game.”

Asked how they would combat the Bomber talls led by spearhead Joe Daniher, Suckling said the Dogs would be focused looking reducing their turnover count to reduce the pressure on the Bulldog defence.    

“I’m not sure who will go to Daniher but it will be a lot easier if we stop giving the ball back to team in their front third.  We’ve done that too much in the first two weeks and it’s just too hard to defend.”

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