WESTERN Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade is looking for a more efficient performance in front of goal in their top-four shoot-out against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.

Statistically the Bulldogs (61.1 per cent) are the second most accurate team in the competition behind the Lions (61.2 per cent) but were let down in last week’s loss to the West Coast.

They kicked 13.19 and lost by five points, and Eade is hoping for better in the high-pressure contest at the Gabba.

He said the return of Robert Murphy and Scott Welsh to the forward line should help things function more efficiently.

“We created enough opportunities, last week we had 32 scoring shots and didn’t play very well,” he said.

“We had four of our best seven forwards out and it is certainly good to have those two back and we’ll certainly welcome Gia (Daniel Giansiracusa) and Higgo (Shaun Higgins) when they get back as well.

“We’ve been pretty pleased with our accuracy for the year, I think we were probably No.1 in the competition, but last week hurt us.

“This game, you’ve just got to take your chances when they present. The competition is too even and too tough to let chances slip.”

Despite the desperate race for the top-four and double chance, Eade said he was loath to look too far ahead.

He said despite Giansiracusa and Higgins both travelling to Brisbane, neither would play.

However, the Bulldogs coach said both would be available for the round 21 clash against Geelong.

Eade said the pair had flown to Brisbane to stay in close contact with the travelling physios.

With former Lions star Jason Akermanis always a talking point in Brisbane, Eade admitted the Brownlow Medallist had been “up and about” this week.

“He’s obviously looking forward to coming back to his home state,” he said.

“Everyone in Brisbane obviously knows his talent, but we don’t rely on one player, we don’t rely on him, we don’t rely on [Brad] Johnson or Murphy. We’re a team that does rely on everyone contributing.”