Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae says the team still believes they are capable of more, ahead of a battle with Carlton on Saturday afternoon.
The Bulldogs will be keen to move on from last weekend’s loss quickly, with no bigger challenge than the in-form Blues at Marvel Stadium.
“(The year) has been a bit a bit frustrating at times because as we said, we want to be higher up on the ladder and we think we’re capable of that,” Macrae told SEN 1116 on Thursday.
We’ve shown our best footy is right up there, so every time we’re trying to build a bit of momentum, we probably don’t put our best foot forward.
“There’s no bigger test this weekend than Carlton to show where we sit.”
The Bulldogs are one of three teams sitting on eight wins, just one game (and percentage) outside of eighth spot.
Macrae acknowledged the evenness of the competition meant that teams have to be focused and switched on at all times.
“From a fan perspective, it’s great to watch how even the competition is. As you can see, there’s probably about eight or nine teams sitting between third and 12 that could still make finals,” he said.
“You have to be on every week, and on the weekend (against Port) we probably weren’t at our best at the start.
“Every time we play Carlton – obviously they’ve got a terrific midfield and two pretty handy players down forward as well.
“Normally that’s a big tell in how the game is going and how the battle is won or lost.”
Macrae has also found himself playing a different role on-field this season, spending more time up forward and outside rather than as an inside midfielder.
He said the move has been refreshing.
“It’s been an interesting year – playing obviously a bit of a different role, more forward and coming up to support the stoppage...but I’ve really enjoyed the year still - playing a different role and supporting the team in that way,” he said.
“When you're not playing inside mid full-time, obviously numbers and things like that are generally going to go down.
“For me it's just been focusing on what the team needs from me and my certain role, and doing that to the best of my ability.
“I've been getting a lot of enjoyment in doing that and also seeing others flourish.”
The Bulldogs will take on Carlton from 4.35pm on Saturday.
