WESTERN Bulldogs youngster Callan Ward has bemoaned an uncharacteristically lacklustre first-half display from his side in Saturday's shock loss to West Coast.

The Dogs didn't help their cause with 11 points in succession to start the match, but Ward was more concerned with his teammates' inability to get their hands on the ball during a first half that saw them trail by 47 points at one stage.

"Obviously we're very disappointed with the way we played today. We just couldn't put our foot on the pedal in the first half and that was what cost us in the long run, I think," Ward said.

"I just don't think we stuck to the team rules like we normally would. It was some pretty basic stuff really like pressure, tackling and a clear intent to go and get the contested footy.

"You go through the stats and we're probably down in most key areas – it was a disappointing day all around."

While the Dogs often second-guessed themselves or were second to the ball, the Eagles impressed with their willingness to take risks and run through the middle of the ground.

"You have to give credit to West Coast," Ward agreed.

"They kept fighting all day even when we got in front late in the game. They kept fighting and persisting and we just couldn't go with them, which is obviously disappointing.

"Last week they played good football against Essendon and it just goes to show how even the competition is. Any team can come out and play good footy and if you're even slightly off your own game you'll get found out."

The Bulldogs now face a tough battle to nail down a top-four finish with games against the Brisbane Lions, Geelong and Collingwood to see out the home and away season.

The upset loss wasn't the way to enter the final stretch, but Ward was confident the team wouldn't dwell on the disappointing outing.

"We won't take many positives out of this, but it's a huge wake-up call and we'll move on pretty quickly," he said.

"The next three weeks is really important now. We're playing three good teams and we'll need to win at least two of them, but we'll just focus on the Lions next week and take it from there."