Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli says the team is still exploring exactly what their best footy looks like.

After 21 rounds, the Bulldogs find themselves second on the ladder with 15 wins and five losses, despite having been dealt some injury blows throughout the campaign.

With upcoming matches against Hawthorn and Port Adelaide – and the opportunity to consolidate a top two spot – Bontempelli is hopeful his side will peak at the right time.

“We’ve shown throughout the course of the year obviously what we’re capable of, and have had really good periods where our form has been really strong,” the skipper told RSN 927 on Tuesday morning.

“I think there’s still a bit of shifting with our team at the minute, but we’re hopeful we’ll get another couple (of injured players) back over the next one or two weeks - we’re still searching for hopefully our best form leading into the finals series.

“The thing about our team, and the strength of our competitiveness, is that Bevo has continued to reward good form regardless of the time of year, and that’s something I’m pretty certain he’ll continue to do going into the next few weeks and thereafter.

“There is safety in a settled team, but there’s also got to be the opportunity for players to play if they deserve to be. It’s a balancing act, but I feel like we’re on the right path.”

The Bulldogs will need to work out a way to cover the loss of Josh Bruce, who is set for surgery after damaging his ACL in the loss to Essendon.

“Someone like Josh and someone of his calibre is not easily replaced,” Bontempelli said.

“It’s probably really too soon to comment on what (our forward-line) will look like, but I do feel like we’ve got enough options to still have a strong attack going forward.

“He’ll still be very much part of whatever happens for us beyond this week - he knows he can lean on us regardless, and we can help him through the process as much as possible.

“It’s a difficult time, but we do know you can get through them together, which will be our focus.”

Details of the Bulldogs’ match against Hawthorn will be confirmed in the coming days.