Dogged performances against top-four sides in recent weeks have shown clear signs of improvement by the Western Bulldogs, but captain Matthew Boyd says his side aren't satisfied with 'honourable losses.'

Stretching top of the table Hawthorn and Essendon in consecutive matches, the young Bulldogs have demonstrated their improved capacity to stay in the contest even when the game's momentum was against them.

“It’s been really positive but we don’t want honourable losses, we want honourable wins, so we are working towards that,” Boyd said.

“There’s been some really good steps forward in the last couple of week but I think throughout the season there’s been glimpses of good form.

“It’s just about trying to put those glimpses together for four quarters and get a result out of that.”

The 30-year-old said he is confident the Bulldogs game plan will produce wins and it is now about being harder to play against for longer and capitalising on every opportunity forward of the ball.

“We go out every week with the genuine belief that if we bring intensity and ability to play for four quarters that we can win,” he said.

“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to do that for four quarters and as I said we have shown glimpses but West Coast are a quality side.

“We went through their lineup just before and they have still got fantastic players I mean their forwards are elite, a fantastic midfield.

“With a guy like [Darren] Glass in their back line how can that backline be anything but functional and solid.”

Boyd’s stint on the sidelines also allowed the Bulldogs emerging stocks to take on added responsibility and fill the void, which further increases the Club’s midfield depth.

“I guess when [senior] guys get injured… it gives younger people an opportunity to perform and we’ve certainly had some young guys step up,” he said.

“We have seen the quality that Ryan Griffen is as a leader and as a player and he has really stepped up in that role when I’ve been out.

“[Tom Liberatore] Libba has had a fantastic year, and other guys get opportunities like Koby Stevens gets a job in there, so it’s been a positive.”