Defender Bailey Williams says a disappointing start to the year is now in the rear-view mirror, after the Western Bulldogs found their mojo on Friday night. 

The Bulldogs were a completely different side against the GWS Giants, sustaining their intensity across four quarters to record a comfortable 24-point win.

“We’ve been really disappointing in the first two weeks and haven’t played the footy that we wanted,” Williams said post-game.

“That was the real focus to come out here and play the way we want to play.

“We started from the word go and put the pressure on them to do something, which was good.”

The 22-year-old signed a two-year deal to remain at the Bulldogs after the 2019 season, returning with a point to prove after playing just nine senior games last year.

With the aim to try to ‘cement his spot’ in the side, Williams has been one of the Bulldogs’ more consistent performers in his three games in 2020.

He finished with 15 disposals and six marks against the Giants, featuring prominently in defence.

Williams said the Bulldogs’ ability to hold their nerve and control the game was extremely satisfying against their rivals.

“We just went quarter by quarter, and we reset every quarter,” he said. 

“You could see they started to get a bit frustrated with the way that we were playing and they weren’t getting anything on their terms.”