MATTHEW Boyd says the Western Bulldogs' last-gasp loss to Hawthorn will still give them confidence they can match it with the best teams as they continue their development as a finals aspirant.

The Dogs lost by three points on Sunday at Etihad Stadium, with James Sicily's starring final term – he booted three goals – pushing the reigning premiers across the line.

But Boyd said the Dogs should gain self-belief from the contest, which was their first loss in an impressive start to 2016.

"It gives us confidence. Our confidence doesn't really waver. We know if we play the sort of footy we're capable of that we can push all teams and we saw that today," Boyd said post-game.

"There were a few little breakdowns that we need to work on. This group really just wants to get better and better, and we'll endeavour to do that."

After a slow start saw the Hawks take a 32-point lead early in the second term, the Dogs' midfield began to click and dominated the Hawks at stages throughout the clash.

Luke Beveridge's side finished with 27 more contested possessions, 16 more clearances and led the inside-50s count, but could not make the most of their chances.

"We're not that far away. We just ran the best team in the competition and the best team of the last 20 years to three points, and we probably were well within our rights to be able to win that game," said Boyd, who had 20 disposals and nine marks in the defeat.

"But they obviously capitalised and finished off the game better than what we did, which is what we've got to learn from. We've got to learn from the benchmark team in the competition if that's where we want to get to."

The Dogs' 19-point lead at three-quarter time was whittled away after eight minutes of the final term, with several Hawthorn stars stepping up. Boyd said the Dogs needed to use the loss as a learning tool for the rest of the season.

"You can't keep them down for four quarters, but I think what we did was really gave them a run for their money. They're probably in the rooms thinking 'thank God it went our way in the last quarter', and we're sitting here kicking ourselves because we missed opportunities," he said.

"You can't keep them down, that's why they're the best, that's why they've won three in a row and why they're favourites to win another one. We've just got to keep learning from it and take the positives out of it."

The Bulldogs return to Etihad Stadium next Saturday night to take on Carlton.