WESTERN Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd says his side needs to learn how to apply "kamikaze footy" from the start to finish of games in order to halt their three-game losing streak.

The Bulldogs again played in patches against the Sydney Swans on Saturday at Manuka Oval and performed best early in the first quarter when they opened up a three-goal lead in the opening six minutes, and then in the final term when they cut a 26-point margin down to seven.

They still failed to close out the game though with the Swans hanging on for an eight-point win.

The 28-year-old said the Dogs had showed they were a better side than was currently reflected in their two-win season but they desperately had to learn how to be ruthless across an entire game.

"It just shows that we're the type of team that needs to play kamikaze footy and play really highly-intense footy from start to finish," he told afl.com.au after the game.

"We've just got to keep chipping away. There's no magic formula to it; it's just hard work and getting back to what we do best.

"It's an old cliché but it starts with training and getting the mood right at the club.

"Footy's a constant game. You just don't have time now to sit around and wallow in your own self pity.

"We've got to try and make something happen."

The Dogs' only two wins this year have come against the competition's bottom teams going into round seven; the Brisbane Lions in round two and Gold Coast the following week.

Boyd said the Dogs had confidence they were a better outfit than that despite their losses to Essendon, Fremantle, Collingwood and now the Sydney Swans.

"Without a doubt we believe we are. There's still a belief within the group; it's just we've got to start playing with that belief and not playing in patches," he said.

"At times this year we've shown glimpses of the side we are and the form we can show.

"It's about just doing it for four quarters and that's the challenge."

Boyd admitted he felt frustrated in his first year as captain with the way the Dogs were playing given their inconsistencies and inability to apply a constantly high work rate.

He also said he hoped the absence of bookends Barry Hall - who is out with an ankle injury - and Brian Lake, who has been dropped for at least three weeks owing to fitness and form issues - wouldn't extend much further into the season.

"They're both really good players and not having them playing takes a bit away from the group," he said.

"Baz is a really good finisher, which is what we're lacking, and when Brian's in form and fit, he adds a fair bit to the group in terms of rebound and his ability to compete one on one and beat his man.

"We need to get those guys back and we need to get them back in good form, and it's a long year but we need to start showing something now."