WESTERN Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy says his side's 65-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Sunday needs to be the turning point for their season.

The 28-year-old, who successfully returned from a three-week knee injury, said the players had responded well to the pressure created from the past fortnight's two losses. 

But he said the Dogs simply had to capitalise on the win and make it the beginning of something significant.

"It was a big week - it could be a pivotal week if we go on with it," he said.

"That's the next challenge for us. Is it a one week flash in the pan or is it the start of something much bigger?"

Murphy admitted the club was under the pump after losses to Essendon and Collingwood and said the players had rallied together in a bid to deflect outside opinion.

He said responding to the pressure generated by the last fortnight - and the common belief the Dogs were top four material this year - was all part of football.

"We've been under the pump with big expectation this year but I've played too many years when there have been no expectations," he said.

"We talked about taking that head on today, we had a good win against a good side, but it is one week and we need to build on it."

Murphy started in defence opposed to Jack Redden and spent most of the game running the ball off half-back.

Rodney Eade was happy with how Murphy remained calm under pressure in the new role and forecast that it may become a more permanent role.

"On a day like today, the way the game was played it suited me and my body, but there are also days when you're under attack and there are all sorts of things going wrong," Murphy said.

Murphy will manage his knee complaint, which is the same one he's battled since the end of 2008, for the rest of the season and is confident he won't require another operation.

"It sort of grumbles along a bit and every now and again it jars but it was pretty good," he said.

"I don't think it will stop me playing games but it's one of those things where you might see me hobble off every now and again but it's just for a couple of minutes.

"The aim is [to manage it week to week] and hopefully it gets better with age."

Game analyser: watch your team's highlights