Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says being able to arrest momentum while capitalising on chaotic play made all the difference in the Dogs’ 55-point triumph over Richmond on Friday night.

The Bulldogs blitzed a nine-goal-to-two opening quarter to set up the victory, which was pleasing to Beveridge post-game.

“There were patches when they got a little bit of momentum, but I thought our boys were able to stabilise through those periods,” he told reporters post-match.

“I think we won three out of the four quarters – in the second quarter (Richmond) threatened a little bit, but it was a really encouraging night.

“We capitalised on some chaotic play tonight that isn’t usually something we’ve been able to do.

“We’re just trying to evolve a little bit. We’re right on the edge of some sustained sort of performances – not that we haven’t been but like I said, when you lose some of your key backs every sort of second week, it makes it hard to get momentum.”

The Bulldogs’ next challenge will come against Hawthorn in Tasmania this Sunday afternoon, before hosting West Coast at Marvel and a meeting with Geelong at GMHBA in the run home.

Beveridge said his group will continue to keep a narrow focus each week, rather than look too far ahead to September.

“We’ve got Hawthorn this week – they really troubled us last time we played them, so we’ll just focus on the Hawks first,” the coach said.

“When you look at the other teams, and how close the season has been – we haven’t beaten the Melbournes and Port Adelaides and Collingwoods but we’ve been close. That gives you some encouragement that you’re not too far away. First of all though you’ve got to get (to finals).

“We’ve just got to really concentrate on going to Launceston and bringing our best against the Hawks. We’ve just got to chip away, hope we get in and then it’s a new ball-game.”