Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says it was pleasing to see the team respond as emphatically as they did against Richmond on Saturday night.
After a disappointing fortnight, the Dogs delivered a 91-point win at the MCG, impressing the senior coach.
"We knew exactly what we left out there the week before when we faced a determined Hawthorn side that got us in the end, but everyone kept their heads and were really composed and I saw some great signs of leadership from some of the players," Beveridge said.
"One of the difficulties when maybe there is some external pressure is to go into a game and relax your mind and make fluid and concerted decisions in the game, especially with the ball.
"I thought tonight our ball security and the way we used our hands and brought each other into the game was as good as we've done for a fair while.
"It's been a hallmark of the times when we've been a really good team and challenged or not. I just thought that everyone really kept their heads.
"There was a lot of heart in tonight ... and the spirit in the players was strong.
"Now the maintenance of that and the progression of it going into a really challenging game against GWS will be really important."
Midfielder James Harmes echoed the coach’s sentiment, calling out captain Marcus Bontempelli as a standout in particular.
“It’s pretty crazy to watch him at training and just see some of the stuff he does,” Harmes told the Sunday Footy Show.
“When you watch him, you do think he’s probably the best midfielder in the comp.
“He’s an unbelievable leader – he’s very calm, very composed and I feel like this year when we’ve needed someone to lift, he does it.”
Harmes was prolific himself on Saturday night, finishing with 27 disposals, 11 marks, four clearances and four goals.
He said while the ultimate end goal is to qualify for finals, the key focus for the team each week is about finding consistency.
“Obviously you strive to play finals, so it would be disappointing if we do miss out but for us at the moment, it’s about being consistent week in and week out,” he said.
“What you saw last night is what we are trying to do every week.
“We’ve got a massive challenge on our hands against GWS.”
The Bulldogs will meet the Giants at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney on Saturday afternoon.
