A pre-game call for a four-quarter effort from senior coach Luke Beveridge inspired the Western Bulldogs to a 72-point win against Brisbane on Saturday night.

While the Dogs were rusty at times in the first half, it was the most consistent four quarter match they have delivered in recent weeks.

The Dogs poured on 14 of the last 18 goals of the match, including a nine goal to three final term.

Midfielder Jack Macrae said his side’s ability to put the pedal down in the final quarter showed positive signs for the Dogs.

“I think that’s something we’ve been lacking a bit, is finishing off teams.

“That’s what the good teams do and that’s what we’re trying to become and it was great to see tonight.”

Although the Dogs had much of the play in the first half, the Lions were only 21 points down at half time and Macrae said the message was clear.

“We spoke about it at half time that they’d come and they wouldn’t lay down and to their credit they kicked the first few third quarter goals and put us under a bit of pressure.

“But I thought how we responded to that shows how mature we’ve become to roll over them at the end.”

Macrae was one of the Dogs’ best on the night, collecting 35 disposals, six marks and four tackles, along with eight clearances in one of his best performances of the year.

Macrae started the match in the forward line and spent times across half-forward, with versatility a requirement under Beveridge.

“We’ve got so many mids running through at the moment and that’s a great strength of ours so to start forward and build on my versatility is something I’m looking for.”