Limiting St Kilda’s launches from defence will be pivotal when the Western Bulldogs take on the 15th placed team on Saturday at Etihad Stadium, midfielder Tom Liberatore says.

The 21-year-old clearance machine said St Kilda rely on producing scoring chains from their back half and the Bulldogs will need to suffocate their run early.

“They are number two in the comp for score launches in the back 50, so that is probably their strength and what we have to negate," Liberatore said.

The Bulldogs have identified areas for improvement against the Saints and will be looking to put in a full four quarter performance on Saturday.

“We went through probably two fundamental issues and have addressed what we needed, to move on and get a win this week,” he said.

“To avoid any lapses, I think we just have to be selfless and show leadership on the field and make sure we bring others back to the game.”

St Kilda have produced two wins this season against GWS and Carlton, while the Bulldogs have only managed a win against Brisbane Lions.