The Western Bulldogs may have won four of the past five games to sit in seventh position on the ladder heading into Round 15, but you won’t hear anyone at the Kennel talk of finals just yet.

Midfielder Koby Stevens said that while the recent form line was encouraging, the evenness of the competition wouldn’t allow the Bulldogs to look too far ahead.

“We haven’t played in finals for a few years,” Stevens said.

“We’re in the eight at the moment, but until we earn that right and we are cemented in the top eight, that’s when we can start talking about it [finals].”

Stevens has been quietly going about his business this season, and after a slow start due to injury, the midfielder is starting to make a big impact.

The 24-year-old played a crucial part in Saturday night’s win against the Blues, collecting 28 disposals and laying seven tackles in a well-rounded performance for veteran Matthew Boyd’s 250th game.

“It was another milestone game we needed to get a win for because we haven’t been good at that the last couple of years,” Stevens said.

“Matty is a Bulldog through and through… we needed to get a win for a good bloke who has served his time well at the Club.”

VIDEO: Watch exclusive behind the scenes vision, and match highlights of Matthew Boyd in his milestone game.

Stevens ranks fourth in the Club for total handballs and third for total tackles and has established himself as a regular through the Bulldogs midfield, but his biggest area of growth has perhaps been his leadership skills.

“I am 24 and as young as that seems, I’m probably one of our older players,” Stevens said.

“I want to be a leader at this Club and take my game to a new level.