Western Bulldogs assistant coach said the Bulldogs will have to be at the top of their game to overcome a well-rounded West Coast Eagles side.

The sixth-placed Dogs will take on the fifth-placed Eagles at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with Smith wary of the Eagles’ strengths across all areas of the ground.

“Across every single line they have stars.

“Their forward line functions so well together, they’ve played a lot of footy together.

“Their midfield dominance, Priddis, Naitaniu, Shuey, all these guys in there are strong contested ball players, which we are good at as well so it’s going to be a ‘let’s go at it’ attitude this weekend.

“And our forwards are also going to have to be on because their backline is so well-drilled as well.”

The West Coast forward line continues to be a strength, but Smith, as defensive line coach, said the Dogs can’t rely solely on the defenders to get the job done.

“Their talls up in the forward line are good footballers and great forwards.

“Kennedy, Darling, Lycett and when Naitanui comes down, we’ve got to combat that.

“That is a whole team focus. Not allowing the ball to come in easily, really trying to help each other out.

“We have that team defence attitude, not just one person playing on one opponent.”

The Dogs return to their home ground after three weeks away, but Smith said his side won’t be complacent.

“The boys are looking forward to getting back to Etihad… Everyone wants to play at the MCG but it’s always good to get back to home. “

“We’re going to have to be on our game on the weekend to make sure we get a win.”