Fighting through the tough times will help forge bonds within the group, Western Bulldogs AFLW co-captain Ellie Blackburn says.

The Dogs have lost their past three matches after a 2-0 start to the season, with Sunday’s 18-point loss all but ending their premiership hopes

Blackburn described the result as “pretty deflating” but said there were some positives for the group.

“To lose a couple of games there and today isn’t ideal for us, but we definitely take some positive signs out of what happened today,” Blackburn told media after the match.

“We got to play some free-flowing footy at times, and unfortunately Freo got on top of us towards the end.

“We hold our heads up and we walk off proud of our efforts, but pretty disappointed in what’s come about from it.”

Coach Paul Groves was also encouraged by the endeavour of his team.

The Bulldogs fought back after conceding the first two goals, and hit the front early in the final term before being overrun.

“There was plenty at stake… Geez we had a crack though,” Groves said.

“Our girls really responded I thought, to the way we played last week. Thirty-seven to 17 inside-50s makes it pretty difficult. Our backs were under immense pressure after a first quarter where we didn’t take advantage of the breeze kicking with it.

“Then the second quarter, I challenged them a bit at quarter time, and I thought they really responded.”

Blackburn said despite the result, which leaves the Bulldogs at the bottom of Conference A and two games behind Adelaide Crows, North Melbourne and Fremantle, that the group was determined to fight out the 2019 season.

“I think for us as players we want to gain as much confidence as we can and keep a really united group,” Blackburn said.

“In times likes this, teams can fall apart and break away and start thinking about others things going on in their lives.

“We really want to keep the team focus that we’ve still got a couple more games to play and win, and some really exciting games coming up for us at Marvel, and our Pride game in Round 7 that we’re really looking forward to.

“As a team, we’re a great group. I absolutely love the players I get to play alongside every week. Hopefully we can stick together and find a really good balance in these last few games.”

The Dogs will host Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night, at 7.10pm.