Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says his group will need to be at their best if they want to prevail against Melbourne on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs bounced back after a fortnight of misfortune to record a 28-point win over St Kilda last week and keep their finals hopes alive.

But Beveridge said facing the reigning premier will be a huge challenge.

“We’re just expecting their best – which is always a standard line from us coaches, but you’re always on edge for what they might offer,” Beveridge told media on Wednesday morning.

“Their best has been the benchmark for a long period of time – Geelong’s recent form may have trumped that in the current scheme of things.

“Their personnel is a fraction different (to when we last played), while our personnel is probably significantly different to what it was at the start of the year.

“The blend within both sides is altered, so it’ll be interesting to how their team ends up looking.”

The Bulldogs currently sit in ninth spot with five games to play.

Beveridge didn’t make excuses for his team and the position they find themselves in, instead choosing to remain focused each week rather than look too far ahead.

“When you get to the pointy end, there’s not much wriggle room when you’re in our situation,” he said.

“Ultimately, whether it’s luck or the sands of time trickling out in your favour I’m not sure – but (results are) well within our control, if we can keep winning then who knows.

“We’ll just focus in on a huge challenge for us (against Melbourne), when you consider our last two outings against this opposition. We’ll need to be at our best to trouble them and win the game.”

The Bulldogs will host Melbourne on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.