THE GOOD form shown by the Bulldogs currently playing in the VFL is helping keep the senior side sharp, captain Brad Johnson says.

The Dogs have a short injury list, and a handful of senior players including Peter Street, Andrew McDougall, Jarrod Harbrow, Cameron Wight and Malcolm Lynch are playing well for Williamstown – the side's VFL affiliate – but battling to get a game in the firsts.

"They've got a fantastic winning culture down at Willy as well this year," Johnson said.

"They're super keen for Willy do well, as they are to see us do well, and the coaches will certainly manage that.

"It puts pressure on guys at senior level because we've got to keep performing week in week out, because there's someone ready to take your spot."

While struggling to break into the senior side can be a frustrating experience, Johnson said patience might yet pay off for the players who have helped Williamstown to 11 wins so far this year.

"We're playing good footy at senior level and it's hard to break in," Johnson said.

"We haven't had too many injuries, touch wood, so that makes it harder for the young guys coming through but they've just got to keep knocking that door down, and if they keep doing that, it will open for them.

"They've been patient, and Peter Street has probably been the most patient of the lot. He's been dominating at Williamstown, but Will Minson and 'Huddo' [Ben Hudson] have been doing a great job for us at senior level so it's been hard for him to break in.

"But, opportunities will come and those guys will certainly be ready when they do because they're playing such good footy at reserve level."