Contested ball has become the cornerstone of the Western Bulldogs game over the past 18 months but now the young side is beginning to show how damaging they can be after gaining first touch.

Over the past month, the Bulldogs have capitalised on their strong defensive work by becoming more effective in their offensive transitions across the ground.

While the Bulldogs are still a young group, the glimpses shown recently against top tier opposition — including Sydney on Sunday — paint a picture of what the Club is building towards.

“I think we were just as strong around the ball as them through the majority of the day,” Senior Coach Brendan McCartney said.

“Again we are able to get a nice link between getting the ball in tight and being able to use it on the outside.

“There were probably times though that should transcend into a goal or a shot on goal.”

McCartney said regardless of the opponent, he wants the Bulldogs to approach each game seeking a win and believes the final four rounds provide an opportunity to do just that.

“We want to win, irrespective of who we are playing,” he said.

“We just have to recover up and keep our players in a position where they keep challenging each other and rewarding each other and working together to take us where we want to go.

“It’s another game and I am looking forward to getting back to work… and getting our teeth into reviewing the game with these boys.”